Lobi Stars Football Club has taken a significant step toward rebuilding their team with the appointment of Finnish coach Mika Lönnström, unveiled during a press conference at McCarthy Stadium, Makurdi. The appointment represents a strategic move by Chairman Dr. Philip Nongu’s board to lift the club from their current challenging position in the league table.
The unveiling ceremony highlighted strong institutional support, with key stakeholders including Government Representative Sir James Iorpuu emphasizing Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s commitment to football development in Benue State. Technical adviser Daniel Amokachi expressed particular enthusiasm about the appointment, noting Lönnström’s “pedigree” and emphasizing the importance of developing young talent within the squad.
“We’re delighted to have Coach Lönnström on board. His expertise and passion will undoubtedly elevate our team’s performance,” stated Dr. Nongu, while highlighting the temporary nature of the club’s current position and expressing confidence in a swift turnaround. The chairman also emphasized the importance of player discipline in achieving the club’s objectives.
The appointment brings together an intriguing technical partnership between Lönnström and Nigerian football legend Amokachi, who stated, “Mika Lönnström is a man of pedigree; his working ethic will help us a lot.” This collaboration, combined with the new coach’s enthusiasm – “I’m honoured to be part of Lobi Stars’ rich history and committed to driving the team to success” – signals a potentially transformative period for the Makurdi-based club.
