Lobi Stars came to Ibadan full of hopes to cart home a positive result, but all the hope got shattered as they unexpectedly slumped with a humiliating goal margin of three goals to shooting Stars at the cosy Lekan Salami Stadium Ibadan in the NPFL Match day 23 which took place on Saturday April 16, 2022.
Lucky Emmanuel’s brace from a 4th minute low drive after taking advantage of the defense laxity of the three man central defense of Solomon Kwambe, Tony Agbaji and Endurance Ebedebiri for the opener and an 18th minute header that lacked the power to beat Goalkeeper Emeka Onyia but found itself in the net for the second goal. Shooting Stars Ayo Adejubu nailed the game in the 80th minute following a strike that beat substitute Goalkeeper Aliko Mustapha for the third and final goal of the game.
Though the overall statistics as shown in the game rated Lobi Stars as a better side, the result of the Match spoke differently with the statistical reflection. With a ball possession of 51-49 %, Corner kicks 3-0 total number of shots at 12-8, shots on target 6-4, shots off target 6-4 all in favour of Lobi Stars explained all, two of the shots hit the wood work as near possible goals.
Solomon Kwambe who couldn’t find his rhythm took an early exit as he was replaced by Azeez Shobowale in the 24th minute to add strength to the attack and adjust to new formation of 4-4-2 as against the starting formation of 3-5-2.
Tony Agbaji who had his first start for Lobi Stars received a yellow card alongside Malomo Taofeek in the 14th minute and a second cautionable offence which led to the red card in 45th minute shortly after Goalkeeper Ogundare Detan had his for unsporting behaviour of delaying time at the same 45th minute.
Odinaka Francis took over from Usule Martins in the 49th. Godfrey Utim who has had a regular shirt since his debut for Lobi Stars against Rangers in Match day 20 showed the character of a resilient forward player. He made solo efforts on several occasions to alter the goal margin but fired blank.
Lobi Stars Goalkeeper Emeka Onyia was stretchered out as he reported injured in the 67th minute and was quickly replaced by Aliko Mustapha. Ubong Williams was taken out severally but was not replaced as he had to manage through as the substitution chances of Lobi Stars were exhausted.
Somehow the collosal defeat still have some positives for Lobi Stars as fellow relegation strugglers have difficulties in other centres, more advantageous is that, Lobi Stars will be playing three of their next four games at home from the midweek of April 20, 2022. The pride of Benue will be going back to Makurdi to commence the first out of the three home games against Gombe United. As it is, the Coach Mohammed Baba Ganaru tutored boys have slipped down by one place to 18th.
