Lobi Stars seek revival against Gombe as Katsina Utd plot 3SC’s fall
Relegation fighting Lobi Stars will aim for the maximum points against Gombe United in Makurdi as fellow strugglers, Katsina United plot the fall of Shooting Stars at the Muhammadu Dikko stadium Katsina. The week 24 matches are crucial to both clubs that are presently neck-deep in relegation and desperate to win at least their home […]
Lobi Stars striker, Godfrey Utim controls the ball under pressure from Kano Pillars defenders Abdullahi Musa and Nelson Ogbonaya
Relegation fighting Lobi Stars will aim for the maximum points against Gombe United in Makurdi as fellow strugglers, Katsina United plot the fall of Shooting Stars at the Muhammadu Dikko stadium Katsina.
The week 24 matches are crucial to both clubs that are presently neck-deep in relegation and desperate to win at least their home matches in order to stand any chance of surviving relegation that is staring them in the face.
While Katsina United are second to the last on the table with a miserable 21 points, Lobi Stars are placed 17th on the log with 23 points from 23 matches.
Both clubs suffered contrasting fortunes in their week 23 matches as 3SC defeated 10-man Lobi Stars 3-0 in Ibadan while Katsina United held Pillars 0-0 in Kano till the match was aborted by irate fans in the 79th minute.
Therefore, Lobi Stars who suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat at Gombe United in the first round will be eager to return to winning ways against the ‘Savannah scorpions’.
The ‘Pride of Benue’ have managed to pick only four points from a possible nine since the commencement of the second stanza.
Although Gombe United who are 8th on the table will be tricky guests, the vice-chairman of Lobi Stars, Dominic Iorfa, is optimistic of victory.
“The players know what is at stake. We cannot afford to drop points at home again. On the part of the management, we are doing everything to motivate them to put in their best,” he said.
In the absence of their young prodigy, Ifeanyi Ogba, who is serving suspension, Lobi Stars will look up to their new signing, Godfrey Utim to deliver the goals.
3SC will also have their hands full against Katsina United who appear to have settled in with their new technical adviser, Usman Abd’allah.
The Changi boys’ stellar performance against Kano Pillars should worry the ‘Oluyole Warriors’ of Ibadan.
In other week 24 matches scheduled for today, 4th placed Remo Stars will host relegation threatened Dakkada FC in Ikenne, Niger Tornadoes in 13th position welcome third placed Rangers in Kaduna while Kwara United who are 5th position on the table will entertain 15th placed Abia Warriors at the Ilorin township stadium.