Lobi Stars registered their first victory in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League on Saturday, defeating Shooting Stars of Ibadan 1-0. The match, held at the Lafia Township Stadium, was determined by a solitary goal from Samuel Tiza in the 29th minute. This win was crucial for Lobi Stars, as it alleviated some of the pressure on their head coach, Eugene Agagbe. The coach faced scrutiny after the team suffered a 1-0 defeat to Rivers United, leading the club management to issue a five-match ultimatum in September. The victory against 3SC marked a turnaround for Agagbe and his squad after experiencing consecutive losses in their previous two matches against Enyimba and Katsina United.
Following the win against Shooting Stars, Lobi Stars moved to four points in the league standings after five matches. This victory comes as a much-needed boost for the team, which has struggled in the early part of the season. Looking ahead, Lobi’s next fixtures include a challenging away game against Niger Tornadoes in Minna, followed by a match against El-Kanemi Warriors at their temporary home ground in Lafia. The team will be aiming to build on their newfound momentum and secure more points in the upcoming challenges.
On the same day, El-Kanemi Warriors faced Bendel Insurance in a competitive match at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, allowing El-Kanemi to maintain their unbeaten record on the road this season. The match started well for the visiting team, as Ibrahim Mustapha scored early, giving them a lead just two minutes into the game. However, Bendel Insurance responded quickly, with Michael Enaruna netting an equalizer in the 19th minute. This result highlighted Bendel’s resilience, as they managed to secure a point despite being down early on.
El-Kanemi Warriors’ performance in the league has been commendable so far, as they have played four games and secured points in various matches. Their away performance has been strong, beginning with a draw against Rangers International on the opening day, followed by an impressive 4-3 victory over Nasarawa United in Lafia. The team’s ability to earn points on the road has established them as a formidable opponent in the league, and they will be looking to continue this trend in their upcoming fixtures.
Both matches on Saturday reflect the competitive nature of the Nigeria Premier Football League. Lobi Stars, after struggling in their early outings, have finally found a way to secure a victory, which is essential for boosting team morale and instilling confidence in the coach’s strategies. Meanwhile, El-Kanemi Warriors have shown consistency and resilience, remaining tough to beat in away matches. As the season progresses, teams like these will need to find ways to enhance their performance, especially as they face tougher opponents in the coming weeks.
With the league still in its early stages, each match is crucial for setting the tone for the rest of the season. For Lobi Stars, building on the victory against Shooting Stars could be the catalyst they need to climb the league table. In contrast, El-Kanemi’s ability to maintain their unbeaten run on the road gives them a solid foundation as they look to challenge for higher honors in the league. As the season unfolds, fans can expect intense competition and thrilling matches as teams strive to assert their dominance in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
