The fight-back power of NPFL giants, Lobi Stars of Makurdi proved to be their saving grace as they gallantly fought back on Sunday, November 8 to draw 1-1 against table leaders Akwa United in Match Day Three at the ongoing Gov Nyesom Wike Pre-Season Tournament in Port-Harcourt.
Coach Kabiru Dogo almost got his fingers burnt after he introduced a completely new team predominantly made up of Feeder team players of Lobi Stars.
It was the Team B of Lobi Stars that got the game underway off the foot of Nurudeen Ibrahim at 4:22 pm but Akwa United took over and dominated early proceedings.
‘The Promise Keepers’ from Uyo made deadly incursions but former national U23 goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel thwarted their efforts to keep his side in the fierce encounter.
However, the efforts of Akwa United paid off when a throw-in awarded against Lobi Stars was delivered towards the edge of the penalty area and a shot at goal was inadvertently intercepted by the hand of rookie John Buruku and the referee judged it as handball.
The resultant free-kick was curved magnificently over the wall by Nigerian international Ndifreke Effiong in the 22nd minute for the first goal of the game.
Things go from bad to worse for Lobi Stars as Abass Adekunle limped out after a collision with an opponent and was quickly replaced by combative midfielder Lordson Ichull.
Lobi Stars were then handed the opportunity to draw level when Nurudeen Ibrahim was brought down on the edge of Akwa United’s defending third but the chance was wasted.
Undaunted, Lobi Stars tried pushing for the equalizer but the power play style of Akwa United consumed their efforts till the referee whistled to signal the end of the first half.
Upon resumption of the second half under floodlights, a heavy downpour ensued which unfortunately threatened Lobi Stars’ chances of equalising.
In the 65th minute, Abdulkareem Mumini gave way for Stanley Okafor while Eugene Mtom replaced Onuwa Chukwuka.
The new arrivals brought more bite as the reinvigorated Lobi Stars stepped more firmly on the pedal and increased the tempo of the game.
Sensing danger, Akwa United had to make three changes at a time in a bid to defend their goal but the sustained attack of Lobi Stars steadily wore them down.
The ‘Pride of Benue’ had their reward in the dying minutes when a quick counter initiated by defense marshal Governor Ernest reached Stanley Okafor who screened two midfield players of Akwa united to place a through pass that saw Nurudeen Ibrahim face to face with Akwa United Goalkeeper.
The agile keeper’s sharp reflexes stopped the initial shot but onrushing substitute Austin Ogunye made no mistake as he rebounded clinically for the equalizer in the 81st minute.
Immediately after the well-deserved equaliser, substitute Eugene Mtom, almost nailed Akwa United when he raced down the right attacking third following a tailor-made pass by Austin Ogunye but his thunder shot was blocked out into the corner by the ever-vigilant keeper Jean Efala.
Lobi Stars pushed for the winner but it was too late to dislodge Akwa United from the top of the table as the referee ended proceedings a minute to full time.
While fielding questions in a post-match interview, Lobi Stars Coach Kabiru Dogo said he was satisfied with the result because he didn’t use his starting eleven.
“I am comfortable with the result because we didn’t lose even as we fielded mostly our Feeder team players.
“So it wasn’t a bad outing. We would focus our attention on the next match. We are taking it one match at a time,” said the former Nasarawa United and Sunshine Stars gaffer.
With this result, Akwa United and Lobi Stars are on 4 points each, but Akwa United still top Group A table on goal difference.
MATCHDAY THREE RESULTS
Bayelsa United 0-1 MFM
Goddosky 1-2 Udala
Akwa United 1-1 Lobi Stars
MATCH DAY FOUR FIXTURES
Udala vs Abia Warriors – 9am
Ottasolo vs Cynosure- 11 am
Bayelsa United vs Goddosky 2 pm
Rivers United vs Akwa United 4pm
