NPFL: Lobi Stars Re-Affirm Return To Winning Ways; Beat Rangers 1-0

Lobi Stars first-half fireworks against Rangers Int’l characterized with a myriad of misses and finally an Ossy Martins 22″ header from Ebube Duru’s cross convict Rangers to a 1-0 defeat in an NPFL Match Day 26 decided in Makurdi on Sunday, June 9, 2021.

Still basking in the euphoria of the 1-0 away win over Dakkada in Uyo, Lobi Stars took the fight to Rangers as the goal missing galore commenced in 4″ when Sani Mohammed broke away from the left side and outran Rangers right side defense to deliver a cross that was blocked by Goalkeeper Seidu Mutawakilu to an onrushing Ossy Martin’s with a near-empty net, but the quick recovery of the goalkeeper denied Lobi Stars the opening goal which was already been jubilated.

The misses continue with 5″ and 6″ goal-scoring opportunities lost as Chinonso Okonkwo failed to convert Sani Mohammed’s cross while Mohammed’s header from John Lazarus cross missed his target. John Lazarus 10″ blast from a dead ball was blocked out by a solidly built Rangers wall among several other opportunities until the 22″ when Ossy Martins headed home an Ebube Duru’s cross for the only goal of the game. Chinonso Okonkwo was cautioned 3 minutes after the goal.

After the goal, a few other misses ensued and the goal hunger from Lobi Stars withered down as the scoring zeal diminished but the Rangers failed to take advantage of the situation till the end of the first half hostilities.

45+1″, The Team Manager Rangers Amobi Ezeakor was red-carded from the bench for an offense that seems to be the use of abusive words in protest to a yellow card issued to 20 shirted Tope Olusesi, and thereafter the first half came to an end.

Upon resumption, Coach Kabiru Dogo first took advantage of the bonus half-time change to introduce Mathias Samuel in place of Carlos Geleye.

Lobi Stars resumed with a renewed spirit with some additional early misses, Midway into the second half, Rangers took over the game and exerted dominance, and kept the pressure on The Pride of Benue.

Rangers’ Ifeanyi Nweke got the third yellow card of the game in 64″. Coach Kabiru Dogo lined up Monday Akile, Abiodun Kayode, and Douglas Achiv to take over from Sani Mohammed, Chononso Okonkwo, and Onuwa Chukwuka respectively in the 71″.

Rangers mounting pressure on Lobi Stars persisted till Moses Tsehuan came in to replace Ichull Lordson in the 82″ and eventually wade off and all the forays of Rangers.

Lobi Stars almost got a second goal in the 86″ as a quick reversal found Ossy Martins who bravely took a solo effort in the middle of a pack of defense players of Rangers and dribble his way through but his final shot at goal was block out by Rangers defense. Further attempts by Rangers to even the scoreline all proved abortive as Tsehuan was on duty till the game ended at 90+3.

With this victory, Coach Kabiru Dogo tutored lads are 40 points on the Log and moved up to 7th place ahead of Rangers.