Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi has signed two new players as part of efforts to strengthen the squad ahead of the second round of the Nigeria National League season.
The players, who signed on Wednesday in Makurdi, are Egigogo Bello, formerly of Niger Tornadoes, and Jonathan Abu who said he was ready to provide solid support for the attacking department in order to improve the club’s goal output.
Bello, on his part, assured fans that he would bring his experience and commitment to help the team achieve its targets for the season.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the club, Terver Ikya, disclosed that Lobi Stars plans to sign four additional players to further boost its chances of returning to the premiership.
Ikya explained that he assumed office after preparations for the season had already been concluded, with barely 10 days left before the league commenced. He said the club already had a coach at the time, and management decided to retain him while strengthening the technical crew with additional coaches.
According to the chairman, the team was not initially well-positioned for success and encountered challenges, particularly during away fixtures, describing Nasarawa as a notably hostile venue.
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He revealed that Gov. Hyacinth Alia had directed that Lobi Stars play their second-round home matches in Makurdi, as renovation work continues at the Mc-Carthy Stadium.
Ikya added that the club had received strong support from the governor, including intervention in a registration ban that once threatened the team’s participation before it was resolved.
He noted that the coaching crew is made up of former Lobi Stars players who understand the club’s traditions and expectations. He also confirmed that all players’ allowances had been paid, stressing that the club was not overhauling the entire squad but strengthening areas with clear weaknesses.
“The newly signed players are on one-year contracts and are expected to make a significant impact in the second round of the season,” Ikya said.
NAN
