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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Lobi Stars Football Club have won an impressive 2-1 victory over Rangers International FC in a pre-season early morning encounter at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
In a match between the two clubs on Monday, the Alia Boys set the tone early, asserting control in midfield and carving out chances through sharp attacking movements and relentless pressing.
Their dominance was rewarded in the 41st minute when Abdulazeez Tijani calmly finished off a precise assist from Akile Monday, giving the visitors a deserved lead heading into the break.
The Makurdi-based side maintained their intensity after the restart, with Francis Odinaka going close in the 54th minute following a fierce effort from a corner rebound.
The pressure finally told in the 74th minute when defender Daniel Edeh produced a moment of magic, blasting a long-range free kick that eluded Rangers goalkeeper Lucky Abdullahi to make it 2-0.
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Rangers responded ten minutes later, as Nnaji Christian rose highest to nod home a consolation goal for the hosts.
Despite a late surge, the Pride of Benue stood firm to see out a mature and well-earned 2-1 win.
Speaking after the match, Lobi Stars’ Technical Adviser, Coach Abubakar Bala, praised his side’s performance but remained focused on the bigger picture.
“It’s a good result, but the real work continues. We are building for the season, and I believe the fans will have reasons to be proud when the league begins,” he said.
