Two quick goals from Lobi Stars’ Sani Mohammed and Monday Akile under four minutes precisely 58′ and 62 made the difference for Lobi Stars as Kwara United’s frantic efforts were made ordinary in an NPFL MD 28 decided in Makurdi on Sunday June 20, 2021.
It was about the most difficult game Lobi Stars faced at home in the current season as Coach Abdullahi Biffo came with a game strategy to frustrate Lobi Stars strong areas and get away with an impressive result. The early pressue in the game from both sides saw both teams with very low pass accuracy.
The grudge approach to the game saw a Lobi Stars team known for early home goals ending a barren first half. Though in their traditional early pressure despite the resistance from Kwara saw the Ortom boys coming close to breaking the innertia at regular intervals.
Chinonso Okoronkwo’s 8′ header from Ebube Duru’s strike from the left went inches over the cross bar, Sani Mohammed lost his chance in the 10th minute from Ozor Chinedu’s cross. Dele Aiyenugba proved to be a perfect idea of good keeper when he repeatedly saved 23′ situation from Ozor Chinedu’s cross.
The last first half effort from Lobi Stars came in 33′ when Douglas Achiv chipped a dead ball to Chinonso Okonkwo who lowered with his chest and turned with a tricky half volley that almost caught Aiyenugba unprepared but his experience was brought to bear as he lowly stretched full length to punch in to safety. The game went in to the interval leaving the scoreboard at the constant of 0-0.
Coach Kabiru Dogo strategically pulled out lack lustre Douglas Achiv and Austin Ogunye for Mecurial pant size Onuwa Chukwuka and young home boy Monday Akile, the change proved to be so effective as Onuwa changed the spirit of the game with his skilful touches and distributive accuracy giving way for Monday Akile to do the damage against the harmony boys.
In the 58′, Sani Mohammed converted with a flip header Monday Akile’s free kick on the right side attacking 3rd for the opening goal for Lobi Stars. Sani Mohammed was booked for unsporting behaviour while celebrating his goal. Before the celebration could die down, substitute Monday Akile converted Ebube Duru’s cross to make it 2 goals for Lobi Stars.
Kwara United rose up to the occasion as wounded lions and took over play after conceding the second goal as Issa Gata, Jide Fatokun with Afeez Nosiru supporting from behind tormented Lobi Stars defense but Stanley Nwabali stood between the goal and Kwara to escape with the 2-0 margin.
Though Lobi Stars position on the league table remained unchanged, the fortunes are improved as they have now garnered 43 points from 28 games, same with the 7th placed with infinitesimal differences with clubs ahead on the log.
The Coach Kabiru Dogo tutored boys will be in Bauchi to take their pound of flesh against Wikki Tourists in an NPFL MD 29 on Sunday June 27, 2021.
