Lobi Stars of Makurdi bounced back from their first defeat of the season at Rivers United to beat Rangers 2-1 in yesterday’s rescheduled week fixture of the 2023/24 NPFL season.
Lobi Stars, who are enjoying a perfect home record, took the lead through Danbani Alao, who struck home a delightful volley to put Lobi Stars in front in the 23rd minute.
Lobi Stars continued their search for more goals but the visitors’ defence stood firm to thwart their deadly incursion but the ‘Pride of Benue’ went into the half time break on advantage.
On resumption, Lobi Stars maintained the pressure on Rangers but a minute after the one-hour mark, Chidiebere Nwobodo levelled scores for his side from close range.
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However, Lobi continued to press on for the match-winning goal and finally succeeded when substitute Stanley Ogabor with eight minutes left to play, scored with a brilliant finish inside the box for Lobi Stars to earn the maximum points in Lafia.
With the hard fought victory, Lobi Stars have moved to the second position on the log with 11 points, one point behind league-leaders, Remo Stars who have a match in hand while Enugu Rangers have dropped to third position with 10 points.
The Pride of Benue will hope to continue with this form when they visit Bayelsa United while Ranger attempt to return to winning ways when they play host to their neighbours, Heartland in an ‘Oriental derby.’
