Lobi Stars reveal Bala as new technical adviser, launch NPFL comeback drive

Lobi Stars Football Club has presented Coach Abubakar Bala as its new Technical Adviser in Makurdi, marking the commencement of a determined rebuilding effort to return to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Chairman Dr Philip Nongu, who also serves as Acting Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Creativity, acknowledged the challenges inherited from the previous administration, including both players, staff and a two-month backlog of salaries. He lamented acts of sabotage that marred the club’s image last season but pledged that the new leadership would decisively steer the club towards renewed growth and success.

Dr Nongu also provided updates on ongoing renovation work at Aper Aku and McCarthy stadiums, stating that Akume Atongo Stadium could serve as a temporary home ground if required.

Coach Bala, whose prior spell with the club was deemed successful, vowed to build a competitive squad with selections based solely on merit. “We don’t discuss formations outside the pitch our focus is on delivering results on it,” he stated. The unveiling concluded with the signing of his contract and a minute’s silence in memory of Akin Olowookere, assistant coach of Shooting Stars, who tragically passed away earlier that day.

Editorial

We gather around Lobi Stars’ renewed ambition with eager optimism. A club hit by relegation and financial instability faces a pivotal moment. We sense this unveiling of Coach Bala is more than just a managerial change it’s a statement of intent.

We are persuaded by Dr Nongu’s frank acknowledgement of the two-month salary backlog and sabotage allegations. Ownership’s willingness to confront these issues head-on suggests leadership that seeks transparency and accountability. The mention of multiple training grounds—Aper Aku, McCarthy and potentially Akume Atongo hints at strategic adaptability and preparedness.

Coach Bala’s assurance that selection will be based purely on merit resonates strongly with us. Meritocracy fosters healthy competition, drives performance and builds unity. His remark about formations—“We don’t discuss formations outside the pitch; our focus is on delivering results on it”—strikes us as both pragmatic and disciplined. It reveals a process oriented towards action, not rhetoric.

We also reflect on the emotional dimension of the unveiling. The minute’s silence for Akin Olowookere was a sobering reminder that football operates within broader human realities. We feel that this gesture signals a club rooted in respect and empathy, not just performance.

We see Lobi Stars embarking on their NPFL comeback with renewed vigour. The foundations are being laid integrity in selection, financial rectitude, infrastructural readiness, psychological unity. We believe this moment is the catalyst for transformation.

We stand with them as they strive to reclaim their top-flight place, and we return to our starting conviction: this unveiling is the first step in a resurgence.

Did You Know?

1. Lobi Stars were founded in 1981 and were originally known as Hawks of Makurdi before undergoing several name changes inspired by local institutions.
2. The club’s historic home, Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi, is named after a former governor of Benue State and seats approximately 8,000 spectators.
3. Abubakar Bala previously managed Kwara United, Doma United, Katsina United and was in charge of Sunshine Stars before his new appointment.
4. The NPFL has seen clubs frequently rotate home grounds due to stadium renovations—Lafia Township Stadium and Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium have both hosted Lobi Stars matches during past upgrades.
5. Merit-based team selection, as emphasised by Coach Bala, is often credited in football circles with improving team morale and performance by fostering internal competition.