July 01, (THEWILL) – There is growing anxiety in the minds of soccer lovers in Benue State over Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi’s continuous playing of their home matches in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, over the years.
This is just as the management of the club has announced the resumption date preparatory ahead of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League season set to commence in August 2024.
A statement by the club’s Secretary, Terhemen Saawuan and Head Coach, Eugene Agagbe, said the team will reconvene on July 15, 2024.
The statement added that upon resumption, the team will undertake pre-season training and player registration processes in accordance with NFF/NPFL regulations.
“The club plans a playing tour across the 23 Local Government Areas to scout for new talent, aimed at strengthening the squad for the upcoming season,” the statement said.
Reflecting on the recently concluded 2023/2024 NPFL season which ended on June 23, 2024, in which Lobi Stars secured 6th place on the league table, the statement commended the club despite the challenges of playing all matches away from home.
“With these early preparations, the Pride of Benue is committed to achieving greater success in the forthcoming season,” the statement added.
A staunch supporter of Lobi Stars, Master Iorlaha Anwase, decried the long absence of the club in Makurdi, which he said has denied the people of the state the chance to watch home matches of the club.
According to him, it is costing the club more money to lodge players and staff in hotels, apart from the risk of travelling all the time.
The soccer enthusiast, who noted that what would have been generated as internal revenue for Benue State through gate receipts is going to Nasarawa State treasury, called on the Government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia to make real his promise to complete facilities at the Aper Aku township stadium for Lobi Stars to return home before the end of this soccer season.
The State Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Comrade John Shiaondo, challenged the State Government to uphold its promise of upgrading facilities at the township stadium.
Shiaondo, who noted that the Alia administration has a good standing in infrastructural development, said the case of the Aku stadium is worrisome and requires urgent attention.
Recall that for several years, Lobi Stars FC have been playing their home matches at the Lafia township stadium in Nasarawa State due to the poor condition of the Aper Aku stadium in Makurdi.
The immediate-past administration of governor Samuel Ortom allegedly awarded a contract for the upgrade of the pitch but nothing was done before the expiration of the era.
On resumption of duty on May 29, 2023, Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration promised to ensure that Lobi Stars plays their matches at home through the upgrade of facilities at Aku stadium.
Investigation revealed that though Governor Alia motivated the management and players of the club through the donation of vehicles and payment of outstanding match bonuses, the Aper Aku stadium remains in a dilapidated condition.
In the foregoing, the chances of Lobi Stars playing the 2024/2025 NPFL season in Makurdi remains a mirage.
About the Author
