Lobi Stars of Makurdi coach, Solomon Ogbeide is defiant ahead of his side’s first round match against Gor Mahia in the CAF Champions League, as he says his side are out to prove that they are worthy Nigerian champions.
Although many critics have blasted the Middle Belt side for carrying a flag that came from an inconclusive season, Ogbeide stressed that Lobi Stars will prove on the field of play against the former African champions that they deserve to be where they are.
Sports247.ng can report that Ogbeide is blowing hot ahead of his side’s upcoming first leg away to Gor Mahia of Kenya, as he believes his team will scale into the group stage after the round of 16 fixtures.
While the East African side are celebrating their Golden Jubilee this year with a record 17 Kenyan league titles and one African Cup Winners’ Cup under their belt, Ogbeide is not worried by their history.
He is also not bothered that the 37-year-old Lobi Stars sneaked into the continental fray when they were declared winners of the inconclusive Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Speaking further, Ogbeide stressed that the former FA Cup winners have the right pedigree to give Nigeria a good representation, as they were edged out at the mini-league stage on their continental debut in 2000.
Ogbeide, who is in his second spell with Lobi Stars, said The Ortom Boys have acquired valuable experiences over the years.
He added: “No matter what anyone would say, we consider ourselves worthy champions of the NPFL.
“We occupied the first position to be declared winners and we proved this was not a fluke when we won the Nigeria Super Cup by defeating Rangers International.
“We have represented Nigeria in this same competition before and we are not leaving any stone unturned as we prepare for this match.
“We know that Gor Mahia is very big club from Kenya but the business between a big team and small team is the match on the field of play.
“Lobi Stars is also a big team. We just need good preparation to scale through after the two legs.”
