Lobi Stars Football Club recorded their first win of the 2024/2025 NPFL season, defeating Shooting Stars Sporting Club of Ibadan 1-0 in a tense and hard-fought match on Saturday, October 5th, at the Lafia City Stadium.
The match, originally scheduled for a 2 p.m. kickoff but moved to 3 p.m., was packed with action from the opening whistle.
The “Alia Boys” started strongly, with Samuel Tiza testing the opposition goalkeeper in the 4th minute. Lobi Stars controlled much of the possession, applying constant pressure on Shooting Stars’ defense.
Their efforts paid off in the 28th minute when Tiza, playing against his former club, slotted home a perfectly timed pass from Ahmadu Liman, giving Lobi Stars the lead. This goal proved decisive in the contest, and it was Tiza’s first goal of the season, capping off a strong individual performance.
Lobi Stars continued to dominate for the remainder of the first half, with several chances falling to Stanley Oganbor, Tiza, and Liman, but they were unable to extend their lead before the break.
The second half saw Shooting Stars push for an equalizer, but Lobi Stars’ defense held strong. Alao Dabani came close to doubling the home side’s lead early in the half, but his effort narrowly missed.
Making his first start for Lobi Stars, goalkeeper Itodo was solid between the posts, keeping Shooting Stars at bay until he was substituted for captain Daniel Atsaka, whose leadership and experience helped secure the clean sheet.
After the match, Lobi Stars’ head coach, Eugene Agagbe, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating: “The lads played with character and are determined for more good results. I believe that with today’s result, we have picked up and may find our winning ways.”
This victory, their first of the season, is a confidence booster for Lobi Stars, who will now focus on their next fixture — a North Central derby against Niger Tornadoes in Minna next weekend. The Pride of Benue will be looking to build on this win as they aim to climb the NPFL standings.
