By Francis Atume, Makurdi
Lobi Stars FC on Sunday forced visiting Bichi First FC of Kano to a lone goal defeat in their Nigeria National League, NNL , opening match played at the McCarthy Stadium, Makurdi.
Dominic Foga, wearing jersey number eight, opened scoring in the 16th minute of the first half, with the visiting team mounting pressure to equalise, but the first half ended in favour of the home team.
Action continued in the second half, with the visiting team working hard to reduce the tally and possibly take the lead, but they were unable to do so, as Lobi Stars defended the lone goal to emerge victorious at the blow of the final whistle.
Speaking after the match, the Chairman of Lobi Stars FC, Terver Ikya, expressed satisfaction with the quality and dexterity exhibited by the players, especially as what Benue people needed was three points and the players got it.
He said there were a couple of mistakes on the side of the players, but Venue fans were happy with the result because what the people wanted was victory.
“The players played well, that’s why we won,” he said.
Also speaking, the Head Coach of Lobi Stars FC, Bala Nikyu, said what was at stake was the three points.
“As a first match, normally first matches are very difficult. If you are not lucky, you loss it before balancing up, but at least we are happy we got our three points,” Nikyu said.
He assured fans that the technical crew will
continue to do corrections, expressing optimism that the boys will do better than what fans saw from the first match going forward.
Coach Nikyu also expressed delight at the massive support from the fans and appealed to them not to get tired, expressing optimism that the club will continue to make them happy.
On his part, the Technical Adviser of Bichi First FC, Coach Bassey Patrick, described the loss as a good game.
“We expected it because in the NNL, which is one of the best leagues in the country, the first win was expected from the home team,” he said.
“We know that Lobi Stars is a good team and we were prepared for them, but overall they carried the day. We remain focused and will keep fighting,” he added.
Coach Patrick said he was impressed with the performance of his boys, expressing the belief that after the opening match, the boys will build on what they have done in Makurdi to improve.
He described the officiating as normal, since nothing in the world is perfect.
