From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
Makurdi-based side Lobi Stars on Sunday at the McCarthy stadium opened their Nigeria National League, NNL for 2026/2027 campaign with 1-0 win over Bichi FC.
The stars playing in front a full capacity crowd pull the first string in the 8th minute as striker Dominic Foga’s shot was parried away by Bichi keeper Philip Lordful
In the 16th minute, Foga tapped in from a close range after a beautiful solo dribble effort from left winger Shedrack David.
The visitors almost equalized immediately but Lobi’s keeper Daniel Atsaka had to push backward to parry out a goal bound long range shot.
Both sides could not create a further goal scoring chance even though Bichi dominated possession while Lobi defended strongly to ensure the scoreline remained so.
In the second half, the Kano based side, continued dominance with left winger Suraj Yasir and attacking midfielder Ahmed Musa combining like they did in the first half to trouble Lobi defense but the home side stood stoutly.
Coach Bala Nikyu realizing the lapse in his midfield introduced returnee Raphael Ayagwa to fortify the department while his counterpart coach Bassey Patrick brought in right winger Jonathan Richard.
The newly established Bichi sustained the pressure on the home team to get a possible equalizer but the Francis Odinaka (who emerged the Man of the Match) marshaled defense and dexterity of keeper Atsaka kept them at bay.
In the late minute of added time, substitute Vershima Agbanyi almost got a second goal for the stars but Lordful parried his close range shot to end the match in favor of Lobi.
Speaking with Sportswriters in a post- match interview, both coaches Nikyu and Bassey expressed delight at their team performance.
Coach Nikyu said first games are usually difficult, pointing out that they got the three points to push forward in the campaign.
His counterpart Patrick expressed confidence in his team securing promotion to the elite league at the end of the season.
Lobi star’s chairman Terver Ikya praised his boys resilience, determination and commitment, assuring that the team will definitely regain promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL next season.
