Lobi Stars will be aiming to build on their solid performance when they take on giant slayers Ottasolo FC in their final Group A match this afternoon (November 13) at the ongoing Governor Nyesom Wike Pre-season tournament in Port-Harcourt.
The potentially explosive match will help in deciding who eventually tops the ‘Group of death’.
At the moment, the ‘Pride of Benue’ is sharing the group’s top spot with Rivers United with 7 points each and a goal difference of +2.
Rivers United having completed their four group matches are as good as qualified for the semi-finals from the group.
The advantage of one outstanding game in hand for Lobi Stars may backfire if Coach Kabiru Dogo decides to go planning for the semi-final rather than sealing qualification.
This is because the rampaging Ottasolo FC also have their own chance of qualifying for the semi-final should Lobi Stars fail to shine at the crucial moment.
Mathematically, the youngsters who have garnered four points with +2 goal difference as Lobi Stars and can easily grab the ticket, if they win with a wide margin.
Therefore, Ottasolo who face an uphill task against the more endowed Lobi Stars have their destiny in their hands.
On their part, Lobi Stars only need to pull a draw to get through to the semi-finals on Saturday as the semi-final fixtures slated for Friday have been shifted to Saturday for the convenience of the teams that have their last group matches on Friday (today).
In a telephone conversation with Lobi Stars Media, Coach Kabiru Dogo said he is not for any reason taking anything for granted.
According to him, the match against Ottasolo FC will be taken very seriously, bearing in mind that it’s a winner takes all situation.
He reiterated that with tested and confirmed players, he is in Port-Harcourt to play six matches which include the final game on Sunday.
Having been the winner in the last edition with Sunshine Stars, the former ABS Ilorin and Nasarawa United coach said he would like to win again.
Interestingly, the relatively unknown Ottasolo FC is being tutored from the background by the immediate past technical adviser of Lobi Stars, Coach Gbenga Ogunbote for the tournament.
After steering the technical affairs of Lobi Stars last season, it will not be surprising if Ogunbote leads his wards to put up a strong showing against his former club.
In Group B, MFM and Bayelsa United have already qualified for semi-finals as first and second respectively and are waiting for the outcome of today’s Group A decider to know their opponents.
