The Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lobi Stars Football Club, Dominic Iorfa, has paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, HRH, Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu (CFR) in his palace where the former Nigerian international was showered with royal blessings.
The astute football administrator whose relationship with the First Class Traditional Ruler spans over three decades was in his palace to receive royal blessings before Lobi Stars Matchday 8 encounter against Wikki Tourists in Bauchi.
During the visit, Iorfa went down memory lane as he recalled vividly the Emir’s great passion for the game of football beginning from his active days as an amateur player with Zagbai FC of Bauchi.
The Lobi Stars vice-chairman, therefore said he was not surprised that even as he is occupying an exalted position, His Royal Highness is still enthusiastic about football and relating closely with people like him who rendered meritorious services to Nigeria in football.
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“My cordial relationship with His Royal Highness started right from my days in BCC Lions. As a talented footballer himself, he was one of my ardent fans. Anytime we were in Bauchi for a league match, he was there to support me.
“It is, therefore not surprising to me that despite his high position as a First Class Traditional Ruler, he has maintained close contact with football. He has so many friends among football stakeholders and I am happy to be one of them. He is indeed a colleague for life.
“It is in view of the above that I deemed it necessary to pay homage on him for my share of royal blessings now that I have another opportunity to be in Bauchi,” said the former Super Eagles striker.
On his part, the Emir said as always, he was happy to welcome his very good friend, Dominic Iorfa, and his delegation to his palace.
He also said he was very happy when the Benue State Government took the wise decision to bring back Iorfa to rescue Lobi Stars from relegation last season.
According to him, when the football administrator stepped away from his position the other time, he felt unhappy because those who had served the country with utmost dedication and commitment deserve every support and encouragement to administer the game in Nigeria.
The Royal Father who is a staunch supporter of Nigerian football, therefore expressed happiness that Lobi Stars are presently excelling in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) under the able leadership of Iorfa.
Emir Suleiman concluded by releasing royal blessings on Iorfa and his entourage while praying for Lobi Stars to pick a continental ticket at the end of the ongoing NPFL abridged season.
Meanwhile, Lobi Stars are currently leading the Group B table with 16 points from eight matches having won five, drawn one and lost only two away matches.
The 1999 and 2019 Nigerian league champions have a chance to open the gap at the top of the table to six points, if they can defeat debutants Doma United in their week 9 match this weekend in Jos.
