Football stakeholders in Benue State have continued to clamour for the return of a former Nigerian international, Dominic Iorfa, as vice-chairman of Lobi Stars.
The Benue State sponsored side is presently enmeshed in relegation but the fans and stakeholders are convinced that the former vice-chairman who once transformed the club is the only man with the capacity to avert the impending calamity.
Speaking to Daily Trust, a staunch supporter of the club, Mr. Terseer Maih, said Iorfa is a football ‘General’ with the capability to turn around the fortunes of the club, if given the mandate to rescue Lobi Stars.
He said “Lobi Stars are in dire need of urgent help and the man to save the club from imminent relegation is Dominic Iorfa.
“He is a ‘Five Star General’ in football. Having played the game at the highest level, and successfully managed this same club before, he knows how to carry out such rescue operations.”
A former Chairman of the Benue State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) who craved anonymity also said if the government wants Lobi Stars to campaign in the topflight next season, Iorfa should be recalled to lift Lobi Stars out of relegation.
“In the last six years, Lobi stars have not reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. But under Iorfa, it was the club’s birthright. When he was the vice-chairman, Lobi Stars reached the FA Cup finals twice and played in the continent.
“Furthermore, Iorfa is well grounded in football politics. He knows how to motivate his players, galvanise support for his team and take along all stakeholders.
“Although it may appear like Lobi Stars’ present condition is irredeemable, I believe he can still invent ways to save the club from relegation,” he opined.
On his part, Ameh Ogbole, averred that the usual excuse that Iorfa had occupied the position is not tenable because even those who appointed him the last time are still in politics.
He said if such politicians have not retired, he does not understand why anyone would hold onto such a flimsy reason to deny the ex-Super Eagles star the opportunity to offer selfless service to his state.
“It is true he once served as vice-chairman of the club but what about those who appointed him? Have they retired from politics because they have been there for decades?,” Ogbole asked rhetorically.
Iorfa, a former board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) once played for Nigerian top clubs BCC Lions, Abiola Babes and Ranchers Bees before he went abroad to play for clubs like Royal Antwerp, Queens Park Rangers, Galatasaray, Peterborough United and many others.
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