2025/2026 NNL Match Day 2: Lobi Stars FC Narrowly Defeated by Kada Warriors

Posted : 24 November 2025

Former Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Lobi Stars failed to shine as they suffered a narrow 0–1 loss in their Nigerian National League (NNL) Match Day 2 clash with Kada Warriors at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, the adopted home of the victorious side.

The only goal in the closely contested match was scored by Abdulsalam Abdulsalam, who headed the ball into the net two minutes before the end of the first half.

Lobi Stars’ Ajibola Mathew took the kickoff at exactly 3 pm, after which the visitors probed for an early goal, with junior international Suur Kumaga leading the attack with two solo efforts that nearly put the “Pride of Benue” ahead.

Thereafter, the hosts took control of proceedings as Lobi Stars had to defend carefully to avoid conceding an early goal.

In one such attacking move, Haruna sped past Ajibola Mathew, who stopped him illegally and was shown a yellow card.

Lobi Stars regained control and launched their own offensive in the 24th minute when a left-sided attack by Monday Akile found Kumaga, who drove forward but was fouled by his marker.

The resultant free kick reached experienced Francis Odinaka, but his header was too weak to trouble Kada Warriors’ goalkeeper Stanley Victor.

In a swift counterattack by the hosts’ goalkeeper, Abdulsalam was impeded by former Super Eagles defender Solomon Kwambe, resulting in Lobi Stars’ second yellow card of the match.

The “Pride of Benue” maintained pressure, creating half-chances that were not converted. The most notable opportunity came in the 37th minute, when an unmarked Kumaga fluffed a goalmouth chance by shooting over the bar.

Lobi Stars were saved by the alertness of goalkeeper George Michael, who blocked a Philemon header from Israel’s free kick in the same minute.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 43rd minute when a corner by Kada Warriors was headed by the fast-paced Abdulsalam beyond Michael’s reach for the match’s only goal. Four minutes later, the referee ended the first half with the hosts holding a slim advantage.

Upon resumption, Lobi Stars’ coach Bala Mohammed introduced Emmanuel Ofem and Peter Onah for Bidemi Owoku and Francis Odinaka to strengthen the midfield.

Mathew’s 64th-minute goal was disallowed after a physical contest with the last defender of Kada Warriors, despite chipping the ball over the goalkeeper. The referee deemed the challenge excessive.

The “Alia Boys” made a second double substitution in the 71st minute, bringing on Shamsu Lawan and Aminu Hassan for Azeez Tijanni and Monday Akile. The introduction of Shamsu injected life into Lobi Stars’ attack, with his dribbling causing problems for Kada Warriors’ defenders.

In the 80th minute, Peter Onah delivered a pass to Lawan, who outran two defenders and sent a quick cross, only to be intercepted by Shola Collins.

In a bold move to find an equalizer, Coach Bala introduced former Super Eagles striker Barnabas Imenger Jr. in the 82nd minute, replacing centre-back Daniel Edeh. Imenger nearly made an immediate impact but was fouled in the 85th minute. He took the resulting free kick, finding Ofem, whose thunderous shot was blocked—the last chance for Lobi Stars.

Kada Warriors, who lost 0–1 to Doma United in their opening match, adopted a defensive strategy for the remainder of the contest, which ended 1–0 in their favor.

Coach Bala Mohammed said after the match, “We created numerous scoring opportunities, but unfortunately, we failed to be clinical, and it cost us the defeat. We’ll take the positives from the game and bounce back.”

Lobi Stars will now return home to prepare for Mighty Jets in another North Central derby in Match Day 3 at Lafia City Stadium.

2025/2026 NNL Match Day 2: Lobi Stars FC Narrowly Defeated by Kada Warriors

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