Ndukwe apologizes to Remo Stars fans after Lobi draw

 

GOALKEEPER Chizoba Ndukwe expressed disappointment over his error against Lobi Stars in Match Day 9 of the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Ndukwe spilled Kingsley Eduwo's shot to the path of Anthony Opkutu for a simple tap in to score the equaliser in the 48th minutes

"I felt so bad because something of this nature has never occurred in my career, I thought to myself to know what went wrong in the cause of the game but it's part of the game."

"I have been with the team for over two years plus and I have also been the number one man for the team, the error throw me off balance but I tried controlling my emotions on the field."

"I heard so many complains from the fans as regards my error after the game but I wasn't just myself."

"I also want to use this opportunity to appreciate my Coach, Fatai Osho, his words of encouragement has really assisted me to overcome the thoughts of my error."

"I have learnt my mistakes. I know by the grace of God, I won't make such mistakes again. One thing is to make mistakes, the other to to correct the mistakes immediately and never allow it to happen again."

"My fans aren't happy with me but am pleading with the fans not to be angry with me and I promise it won't happen again. All I need from you all are your prayers and support."Ndukwe said. 

Ogenyi: Ranger, Lobi Star game like 'war'

 

By Rasaq Oboirien

EVANS Ogenyi says his Lobi Stars squad will approach the rescheduled Matchday 8 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) tie against Rangers with a zeal to claim a point, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.

In his post-match chat: "It's like a double away games for us, we'll prepare for the game with all seriousness. I would say that we are going to 'war', so it will not be wise to reveal my game plans. I just want to keep it to my chest and by Tuesday, train with the players then on Wednesday unveil it to the starting eleven."

Ogenyi, who won the Coac-Cola FA Cup and Charity Cup for Ocean Boys in 2008, led the Food Basket Team to gaining its second point on the road after they shared the spoils with Remo Stars of Sagamu on Matchday 9.

It was his first task as acting technical adviser in the absence of suspended Godwin Koko Uwa.

"As coach who knows his onions, after the responsibility fell on my shoulders after my boss was suspended by the Lobi Stars management, I had to prepare the team in company of the other assistants with a goal to getting a result against Remo Stars.

"When we got here, the other coaches and I had to psyche the players up, telling them to play to win after our last training session at the Gateway Stadium. The game was a tough one I must say, as no team in the NPFL is a pushover. 

"We conceded a goal in the first half, we responded immediately but Remo Stars had their goalkeeper to thank for the save off Okpotu's point blank shot.

"During the half time team talk in the dressing room, I told my players that we can win the game if we take our chances and play with caution, am delighted that we got the equalizing goal four minutes after play resumed in the second half.

"I feel elated, not just me, the whole team. I really would have been very happy if we had got the maximum 3points if my played had converted the half chances that came their way in the closing seconds of the game.

"The point we have got against Remo Stars means a lot to us. If you recall, last season Lobi Stars lost out in the spot for a continental ticket 2points behind 3placed Wikki Tourists of Bauchi after we came 5th on the log. 

"The expectations from our fans is so much that they are charging us on to get at least a continental ticket. 

"The season is a marathon, so the more points a team gets on the road will definitely count before the league gets to its climax."

Pillars, Lobi Stars eye MFM FC Onuwa

 

By Rasaq Oboirien

NIGERIA Premier League big guns, Kano Pillars and Lobi Stars could persuade Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministries FC of Lagos midfielder, Onuwa Chukwuka to join them before the players transfer window closes, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.

Onuwa who capped his brilliant form winning the Gold Cup Pre-season tourney most valuable player (mvp), was a delight to both Pillars and Lobi Stars coaching crew and indeed Ijebu-Ode fans when the Olukoya Boys played against them in the group stage and final.

A source close to the petit midfielder revealed:"Onuwa is been wooed by Pillars and Lobi Stars at the moment following his exploit in the prestigious Gold Cup tournament that ended on Sunday in Ijebu-Ode.

"After the games against Pillars and Lobi Stars, his cell phone number was asked for, and from then it has been several calls from both the Masu Gida and the 'Food Basket' team.

"To the extent Lobi Stars boss, (name withheld) told Onuwa to name his price that he wish he signs for the Makurdi base team."

At the wee hours of Monday before the MFM FC contingent returned to Lagos from Ijebu-Ode, Onuwa at the team's Classic Hotel in Imowo, said: "It's a transfer period so am not surprised that am been linked to either of these clubs.

"One thing for sure, I have a contract with the Olukoya Boys so am not in a hurry to go into discussion with any team for now, as I just want focus on the coming season which the League Management Company (LMC) says it would kick-off on December 18."

The Olukoya Boys who had a brilliant run in the Gold Cup tourney missed out on the ultimate prize via penalty shoot out after failing to convert their 8th spot kick thus making the Koko Uwa team to lift the crown 4-3 on penalties after full time score stood at goalless.

I'm now the 'silent one' - Uwa

                    

TECHNICAL Adviser of Lobi Stars Football Club, Godwin 'Koko' Uwa, has stated ahead of the upcoming Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season that he is now the 'Silent One'.

The former under 20 Coach who was very Loquacious during his reign with Enyimba FC, Niger Tornadoes and the default Julius Berger disclosed to the Gold Cup Media that he decides to be a silent result achiever because he is now old on and off the pitch.

In his words, he says "Last season you didn't hear much about Uwa because I am now an old man on and off the field of play. I have changed certain things I do when I was young man, God has made my name for me and I mustn't be blowing trumpet again."

"I was actually doing all that then because I wanted to be known, but God has really made me to be known by bringing results wherever I go. So now I am a silent result achiever."

Uwa went further to insisted that he is the 'silent one' but if anybody talks too much, he will react.

"Yes I am the silent one, but if anyone talks too much, I will react accordingly."

Lobi Stars takes positive from Gold Cup Tourney

NIGERIA Premier League side, Lobi Stars management have said that the Gold Cup pre-season tourney has exposed it team's strength and weakness to the coaching crew as they get set for the commencement of 2016/17 domestic football season on December 18, 2016.
This is the second time the 'Food Basket' team is taking part in the prestigious league club tourney which is banked rolled by Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, Senator Dr. Abdulfatai Buhari.
According to the club's tweet via its social media platform, @LobiStarsFC after qualifying to the semi-finals read: "The decision to play ‪@GoldCupTourney‬ has made massive impact on ‪@LobiStars‬. We salute the organizers of‪ the championship."‬
'Ageless'David Tyakase gave Lobi Stars Semi-finals tickets as they shared the spoils with Crown FC in a highly soak tensed game which brought the best out of the Godwin Koko Uwa side.
Recall last season after their semi-final exit from the Gold Cup tourney, Lobi Stars of Makurdi got the season of a flying start when they pipped a Kadiri Ikhana Shooting Stars of Ibadan at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba.
Kingsley Eduwo winning and only goal of the game handed Lobi their first 3points of the season. 

Lobi battle Pillars in Gold Cup semi-final

 

LOBI Stars of Makurdi will lock horns against Nigeria Premier League rivals, Kano Pillars in the semi-final of the ongoing Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament in Ijebu-Ode, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.

The 'Food Basket' team who finished second in Group B came from behind to draw Crown FC 1-1, thus seeing them advance on superior goal difference was both teams were leveled on 6points each.

Jacob Friday continued his good run of form for the Ajilete Valiants scoring his sides only goal of the match against Lobi Stars after connecting a pass from enterprising Michael Peter before David Tykase restored parity for the Pride of Benue with a stunning strike.

Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries Football Club who are Group B leaders will host newly promoted Remo Stars in the other last four game.

Like Lobi Stars, the Olukoya Boys also came from behind to draw Niger Tornadoes 1-1 to go top of their group at the expense of The 'Food Basket' team.

Abiodun Yusuf, nodded home a right wing cross to put Niger Tornadoes in front after three minutes of quality football that held fans spell bound.

MFM's Sikiru Olatunbosun missed a 15th minute penalty before Stephen Odey drew level for the Olukoya Boys in the 41st minute. 

On Friday evening, Kano Pillars who tops Group A with 8points will set up a semi-final clash with Lobi Stars, while Remo Stars thus set up highly rated MFM FC in the other semi-final at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium. 

Lobi Stars woo Moses Ocheje

 

By Rasaq Oboirien

MOSES Ocheje could make a sensational return to Makurdi as Lobi Stars are wooing the Enyimba FC of Aba goalkeeper, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.

The former junior international was spotted with the team at their pre-season Gold Cup camp in Ijebu-Ode during the week.

Moses, had less playing time with the Aba Elephants as he had to compete with the trio of Theophilus Afelokhai; Chijioke Ejiogu and Olufemi Thomas for the number one jersey.

Meanwhile, Lobi Stars top official who chose to spoke on the condition of anonymity said:"I can't be definite on the players we intend to sign, as its transfer season and lots of players are here in Ijebu-Ode sweating it out with one or two teams with a view to signing new deals."

Recall Lobi Stars first choice goalkeeper, Odah Okiemute has dumped the Makurdi side for next season CAF Champions League flag-bearers, Rivers United.

Ocheje could be a better replacement for Okiemute after he helped Sunshine Stars of Akure to reach the semi-finals of both the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup four season's ago.