As the count down to wrap up the NPFL 2020/2021 inches close to an end with an already emerged champions in Akwa United, untroubled Lobi Stars exhausted 90 of the remaining 180 minutes here in Portharcourt at The Adokie Amasiemeka Stadium against continental contenders Rivers United in a Matchday 37 decided on Monday, August 2, 2021.
Two first-half goals from Rivers United’s Morice Chukwu in the 5′ and Nelson Esor 20′ put the pride of Rivers ahead and an increased goal tally to 3 in 55′ by Sunday Adetunji, placed the homers in a comfort zone before Osimaga Duke converted a 88′ consolation penalty kick to end the game 3-1.
Though Lobi Stars didn’t approach the game with the measure of zeal commensurate with their newfound form which saw them running four games unbeaten, the score sheet was certainly not befitting.
The goal-scoring inertia was broken early as a free kick awarded to Rivers United on the left side from an angle that seemed closed was shot straight and low to a goal by Morice Chukwu and Goalkeeper Aliko Mustapha watched the ball helplessly into the net to the amazement of all.
Lobi Stars reacted to the goal as they pushed for an equalizer and won a 6′ corner kick which Mathias Samuel and Sani Mohammed inter passed with a short service as Mathias’ thunderous shot at goal was blocked out but repeat corner kick was headed out of danger by Rivers’ Fabian Nworie.
The Spirit with which Lobi Stars reacted to the goal died down after Aliko Mustapha went down with an injury in the 15′ and was replaced by Substantive Captain Atsaka Daniel who got his first league appearance. His coming in was greeted with a second goal, which was the result of a 20′ free kick on the right edge of the penalty area which was shot at goal by Chigozie Ihunda but the shaky hands of substitute Atsaka Daniel slipped off the ball to the advantage of Nelson Esor who slot in the rebound for Rivers United for the second goal.
Douglas Achiv’s 25′ effort almost gave Lobi Stars a goal but his 35 miter blast narrowly missed the target. His dogged determination to fight on earned him a yellow card as his tackle brought down an opponent in 32′, Achiv never gave up his fight as he won a free-kick for Lobi Stars in the 36′ minute as he was brought down by Morice Chukwu on the right edge of the penalty area while goal bound.
Chigozie Chilekwu brilliantly took the free-kick but was blocked into a corner kick. Rivers United pulled out Morice Chukwu for Desmond Agbekpornu in the 40′.
The biggest first-half opportunity came for Lobi Stars came in 43′ when Sani Mohammed lifted a pass behind the defense of Rivers United to the advantage of Austin Ogunye but the timely intervention of Goalkeeper Darlington Ovunda leads to a clash of the two players though Tiza Samuel gained possession his shot at goal without a goalkeeper was blocked by the protective defense work of Austin Festus as the first half came to an end with the scoreline at 2-0 in favor of Rivers United.
Upon resumption, Coach Kabiru Dogo introduced Abiodun Kayode in place of Sani Mohammed. The 49′ quick response of Goalkeeper Atsaka Daniel saved Lobi Stars what would have accounted for the 3rd goal for Rivers United.
Sunday Adetunji had an opportunity in 52′ but blew wild, he made a success of his second attempt 3′ later when he breaks away from right and releases a shot that beat Atsaka Daniel through the near post as the scoreline changed to 3 goals up to Rivers United.
Rivers United made a double sub as Sunday Adetunji and Paul Aquah gave way for Malachy Ohawume and Destiny Ashadi in 62′ while Lobi Stars Chinonso Okonkwo and Monday Akile took over from Mathias Samuel and Austin Ogunye a minute later.
Tiza Samuel showed tremendous efforts in front of goal for Lobi Stars as he came close severally to make a difference but his efforts ended in futility.
Rivers United completed their changes in the 70′ minutes as Festus Austin and Fortune Omoniwari stepped down for Temple Emokayi and Shedrack Oghali.
The search for a goal by Lobi Stars intensified as Monday Akile and Chinonso Okonkwo added up to Tiza Samuel to put the Rivers United defense under intense pressure, serial misses from Lobi Stars attack in the twilight of the game couldn’t justify the scoreline till the 87′ when the Referee awarded a penalty to Lobi Stars after Tiza Samuel was brought down by Fabian Nworie for Osimaga Duke to masterfully convert for a consolation goal to bring the end result to 3-1 in favor of Rivers United.
Lobi Stars maintained their 8th place on the log despite the loss and will still maintain the position irrespective of the outcome of Matchday 38 and last of this season against already crowned 2020/2021 Champions Akwa United in Makurdi on Thursday, August 5, 2021.
