It was mourning in the camp of Lobi Stars on Monday morning as their coach, Solomon Ogbeide died few hours to their matchday 21 home fixture against Wikki Tourists.
Despite the devastating blow, Lobi Stars went on to defeat Wikki Tourists 2-1 to remain in contention for the NPFL playoff spot.
Ogbeide, who guided the Pride of Benue to the group stage of this season’s CAF Champions League slumped due to dizziness and was unable to be revived even after being rushed to King Cross hospital in Makurdi.
“We are still in shock. We didn’t expect that we would lose him this time around,” Lobi Stars team manager, Barnabas Imenger stated.
“We didn’t expect this to happen at this time that we are almost qualifying for the Super 6. We were hoping that we would take us back to Africa.”
Lobi Stars are currently second on the Group A table with 34 points.
“He left behind a very big shoe that will be hard to fill. He is the reason the team was doing very well. He held the players together like his children. He advised them and fasted along with them,” the former Nigerian international added.
“Ogbeide was highly dedicated to God almighty and the services of the poor. His philosophy of coaching was wonderful. He was so dedicated that he hardly missed training.
“We would miss him sorely. May the almighty console his family and grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
