NPFL 2022/23 : Points Shared After A Fierce North Central Derby Game, As Lobi Stars Climb Top Of The Table

A hard-earned point has pushed Lobi Stars to go top of the NPFL group “B” Abridged league table for the first time following a superlative performance against arch-rivals, Niger Tornadoes in the north central derby which ended 0-0 at Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

The Makurdi-based side continued to dominate headlines week in, and week out since the start of the 2022/2023 season with eye-catching performance proven to be enough to secure points away from home.

The lads entered into the matchday 6 fixture with confidence knowing too well that, a good result in Kaduna would further prove advantageous to them.

The attacking philosophy that has been instilled into the team by Lobi Stars head Coach, Mohammed Baba Ganaru was adopted immediately first half got underway.

The first forty-five minutes of the game witnessed exciting moments of good football coupled with good chances created by both teams, however, they lacked the cutting edge to sting.

Musa Wakili would have opened his account in the early proceedings when he found himself unmarked in the box just 7 minutes into the game, unfortunately for the midfielder, his close-range shot was saved by goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel of Lobi Stars.

The visitors kept things calm dictating play until unsung hero Monday Akile overlapped and fed Terdoo Shimagande with a precise cross into the opponent’s box with just 12 minutes of play, though his powerful header failed to trouble goalkeeper George Michael of Tornadoes.

2 minutes after, Musa Wakili almost broke the deadlock but the moment was curtailed by the visitor’s goalkeeper.

Both teams were on each other’s necks knowing fully the importance of the encounter.

Umar Abba jumped taller in the 18-yard box and met Atule’s corner kick, but the former Kastina United man failed to take full advantage of his height as his powerful header went over the bar with just 16 minutes of play.

Lobi Stars’ midfield trio proved to be consistent, Anas Hassan, Francis Odinaka, and Kalu Orji were so organized, reducing a lot of pressure on the team.

Atule would have registered his name on the scoresheet but goalkeeper Micheal George stopped his 25th-minute strike to keep the scoreline level.

Coach Bala Mohammad was forced to pull off Hashim Shamsudeen due to an injury and replaced him with Waheed Adebayo in the 42nd minute.

After several attempts with no danger, both teams returned to their respective dressing rooms with a scoreline of 0-0.

The last forty-five minutes of the game were entertaining, yet the opener was not seen. both coaches changed their tactics as well as substitutions to no avail.

Tornadoes Coach Bala Mohammad made double changes, Abdulkadir Zango and Moses Ogwu were replaced in the 45th minute, just before the kickoff of the second half as the host intensified efforts in search of an opener.

Lobi Stars gaffer, Baba Ganaru made some timely decisions after carefully watching the proceedings from the sideline.

Terdoo Shimagande and Anas Hassan were replaced by Suur Kumaga and Chinonso Okonkwo in the 53rd minute for more offensive play, both teams sustained pressure at different stages with numerous goal attempts, but were proven to be harmless.

The visitor’s, goalkeeper, Emmanuel Daniel alongside his defense line was solid.

The host, Goerge Micheal alongside his defense line was outstanding to ensure no harm was recorded as the north central derby ended 0-0 after full time.

The result at the Pantami Stadium between Doma United and table-topping Rivers United ended 2-1 in favor of the northeast side.

Following the result, Lobi Stars has taken charge of group “B” table with a superior goal difference over Rivers United, even though both teams have the same 13 points from 6 matches.

Reacting after the match, Lobi Stars head coach Mohammed Baba Ganaru said his boys are doing very well, adding that, they would continue with the form.

“We are on course, we have a set objective that must be achieved, my boys keep improving week in, week out and we hope to end the league on top “, he stated.

Coach Bala Mohammad of Niger Tornadoes after the match thanked God for the point they got and believe his side will improve.

“I knew it will be a very tough match against a good side like Lobi Stars, they prepared very well, though I am not happy due to the missed chances we created but failed to utilized, nevertheless, we are grateful to God we do not lose the game and we will continue from here”, he said.