Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Lobi Stars returned to base after four years away from home to record a 2-1 win over Doma United of Gombe in week 9 of the Nigeria National League, NNL.
The match played at the McCarthy Stadium, Makurdi had the away team who top group C score in the 14th minute when their skipper Abdullahi Abubakar capitalized on a missed header by Lobi captain Kwambe Solomon to chip the ball past keeper Daniel Atsaka.
The Stars equalized before the break through Azeez Tijani whose shot beat Doma United keeper.
Lobi fought hard in the second half creating several chances but it was in 80th minute that Suur Kumaga broke the deadlock when his curling free kick from 20 yards beat past the Doma keeper.
Speaking with Sportswriters after the game, Lobi Stars Chairman Terver Ikya expressed happiness at the victory.
He said, “for the team to come back here after 4 years to play and win, am the happiest person. I give glory to God and the Governor for the support.
“Playing at home after 4 years, put the players under pressure because they wanted to impress their fans and score. We will use this game to correct our mistakes. We will not be under this pressure anymore in subsequent games”.
Head coach of Lobi John Onuh said though he side won, but failed to convert several scoring chances.
Onuh said he was optimistic his side would win despite going behind to the visitors.
“I had every confidence that we would equalize and win the game because we did the attacking. So aí knew that the chances would definitely come. It was just a matter of time”, the coach exuded.
