Late Blow Ends Lobi Stars’ Title Defence In Lafia Derby
It was a bitter pill to swallow for Lobi Stars on Sunday as their reign as champions of the Gusau/Ahlan Preseason Tournament came to a halt in dramatic fashion, conceding a late goal to neighbours Nasarawa United in a pulsating derby at the Lafia City Stadium.
From the opening whistle, the Alia Boys seized control of the game, dictating the tempo and pinning the hosts deep in their half.
The early dominance almost paid off in the 14th minute when Nazir Muhammed unleashed a thunderous drive that forced Nasarawa United goalkeeper Ameh Godwin into a fingertip save, with a defender racing in to sweep the ball clear under immense pressure.
The pressure mounted as the minutes ticked by. In the 39th minute, Nazir was brought down at the edge of the box. Up stepped Solomon Kwambe, whose stunning free-kick was destined for the top corner before Godwin, again at full stretch, palmed it away for a corner.
Lobi Stars continued to press with a series of dangerous set pieces, corner kicks, and long throws, yet the breakthrough remained elusive at halftime.
Coach Benedict Atule, sensing the urgency, rang in the changes after the restart, injecting fresh energy into the attack.
The trio of Foga Dominic, Suur Kumaga, Owoku Bidemi and Paul Itim kept the Nasarawa defence on red alert, carving out half-chances and testing their resolve. But football can be cruel, and in the 72nd minute, the tide turned.
A free kick for the hosts just outside the Lobi penalty area was swung in with menace. Goalkeeper Joseph Orya managed the initial stop, but Ajibade Olawale was quickest to react, smashing home the rebound from close range to send the home crowd into raptures.
The goal lit a fire under Lobi Stars, who threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. Wave after wave of attacks poured into the Nasarawa box, but the home side held firm until the final whistle, sealing a 1-0 victory and ending Lobi’s title defence.
Despite the defeat, Coach Atule remained upbeat, praising his players’ performance and spirit.
“I’m impressed with the way the lads played today. The result didn’t go our way, but with the quality of players we’re assembling, I’m confident we’ll get it right this season,” he told the club’s media team.
Lobi Stars now turn their full attention to preparations for the upcoming football season, determined to channel the disappointment into motivation for the battles ahead.
