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By Emma Njoku
Former Super Eagles forward and Vice chairman of Lobi Stars of Makurdi, Dominic Iorfa, is confident that the Benue side will claim victory against Yobe Desert Stars of Damaturu, when both sides clash in the first match of Group B this afternoon, at the ongoing Naija Super 8 football tournament, holding at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
The Makurdi Stars came from behind to beat 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Rivers United of Port Harcourt 2-1 on Saturday, in the second game of the group’s opening fixtures. Yobe Stars had lost to Akwa United of Uyo by 2-1 scores in the group’s opening fixture.
Lobi Stars finished last at the NPFL Super 6 play-offs at the same venue barely a month ago. Playing under a new coach, Bala Abubakar, the Benue side paraded a number of new players and put up a brilliant performance to the delight of football fans at the stadium.
“We have about six new players who were not in the squad that featured at the recent NPFL Super 6 playoffs. The team only trained three times before coming for this tournament. By the time they blend very well, we are going to have a formidable and competitive squad.
“I’m happy we won the match against the highly experienced Rivers United. I expect my boys to beat Yobe Stars in our next game on Monday (today). That would give us a ticket to the semi final, irrespective of the outcome of our last game against Akwa United. We plan to be in the tournament until the last day,” Iorfa said.
Among players to look out for in Lobi’s line up are new signings, David Okoromi and Victor Osimen’s look-alike, Chibuike Charles, who has become the toast of Onikan fans. The gangling forward came off the bench to grab the winner for Lobi Stars in the dying minutes of the added time. That was after Okoromi had levelled up for the Makurdi Stars. Liberian import, Albert Kovah, had put Rivers United in front in the 31st minute.
Rivers United and Akwa United will slug it out in the second match of Group B later today at 4.30pm.
