In a gripping encounter at Lafia City Stadium, Nasarawa State, Lobi Stars of Makurdi managed to secure the top spot on the NPFL table despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Kano Pillars in a week 18 match on Monday, January 15.
The match kicked off with Stanley Oganbor putting Lobi Stars in the lead in the 5th minute, capitalizing on Monday Akile’s precise cross from the left side.
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Despite Pillars’ attempts to equalize, Lobi Stars goalkeeper Lucky Abdullahi thwarted Ibrahim Mustapha’s header.
The ‘Pride of Benue’ continued to press for more goals, with several attempts on target, but Pillars’ goalkeeper Muhammad Galadima made several saves to deny Suur Kumaga and Oganbor.
However, a reckless challenge on Liman Ahmadu forced Coach Eugene Agagbe to make an early substitution, bringing in Alao Danbani.
Pillars seized an opportunity in the 43rd minute when Idris Suleiman nodded in a freekick, levelling the scoreline at 1-1 as both teams entered the break.
The second half saw tactical changes from both coaches, with Pillars strengthening their defence and Lobi Stars pushing for a winner.
Despite mounting pressure from Lobi Stars, including Oganbor’s shot cleared off the line and Kumaga’s attempt hitting the crossbar, the match concluded with a 1-1 scoreline.
In the post-match analysis, Coach Agagbe expressed disappointment, attributing the draw to hard luck.
“My players were equal to the task. It is just unfortunate that we were unlucky today because you can see that we hit the goal post three times”, he maintained.
He acknowledged his players’ performance and promised to approach upcoming games with renewed vigour.
Despite the draw, Lobi Stars now lead the NPFL table with 33 points, while Remo Stars, who suffered a 0-2 defeat against Katsina United, dropped to the second position with 32 points.
Lobi Stars will face Plateau United in a North Central derby this weekend, marking the end of the first stanza of the 2023/2024 season.
