Lobi Stars have received approval from the Nigeria National League (NNL) to return to play their home matches at McCarthy Stadium in Makurdi after four years of playing away from their base. The decision comes ahead of the second stanza of the 2025/26 NNL season.
The club had been staging its fixtures at alternative venues such as the Lafia City Stadium while upgrades were made to their home facilities. Inspectors from the NNL confirmed that McCarthy Stadium now meets the minimum standards required to host league matches.
NNL Chief Operating Officer Danlami Alanana said the league was impressed with improvements at McCarthy Stadium during an inspection and granted provisional approval for Lobi Stars’ home matches there. He cautioned that the permission would remain conditional on the club maintaining the standard of the facilities.
Lobi Stars’ first home game upon their return to Makurdi will be against Doma United when the second half of their NNL campaign begins.
Editorial
The NNL’s clearance for Lobi Stars to play in Makurdi is a significant boost for the club and its supporters. After years of nomadic fixtures, returning to a home ground can restore a sense of identity and community connection that fuels performance on the pitch. A familiar home venue often translates into stronger fan support, which can be a decisive factor in tightly contested lower-league battles.
For the footballing ecosystem in Makurdi and Benue State at large, this move also highlights the importance of infrastructure development. Upgraded facilities not only meet league requirements but also foster local pride and engagement. Lobi Stars’ return home could spur increased attendance, stronger sponsorship interest, and renewed optimism among fans eager to see their club challenge for promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
From a broader perspective, the decision reflects the NNL’s commitment to improving standards across Nigeria’s second tier. By ensuring that clubs play in suitable venues, the league enhances professionalism and the match-day experience for players and supporters alike. If McCarthy Stadium continues to be well maintained, Lobi Stars will be well-placed to reap the benefits of genuine home advantage as the season progresses.
Did You Know?
- Lobi Stars have been approved to play their home matches at McCarthy Stadium in Makurdi for the second stanza of the NNL season.
- The club had been playing home games at Lafia City Stadium during improvements to their home facilities.
- The approval is provisional and could be revoked if stadium standards are not maintained.
- The NNL is Nigeria’s second-tier league below the NPFL, with promotion to the top flight at stake.
- Lobi Stars were relegated from the NPFL at the end of the 2024/25 season and are aiming for a return to the top tier.
