Lobi Stars Unveil Coach Abubakar Bala For NPFL Return

Lobi Stars Football Club has officially unveiled Coach Abubakar Bala as their new technical adviser, signalling the start of a rebuilding process aimed at returning the team to the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Addressing sports journalists in Makurdi, the club’s Chairman, Dr Philip Nongu, who also serves as Acting Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Creativity and other members of the Board who were present welcomed members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and acknowledged inheriting both the players and staff, along with a two-month salary backlog, from the previous administration.

He decried acts of sabotage aimed at tarnishing the club’s image in the last football season but assured that the new leadership acknowledges the lessons from the team’s relegation and is resolutely committed to steering the club toward a new era of growth and success.

The Chairman highlighted efforts already underway, including overhauling the technical crew, recruiting young and indigenous talents, restructuring salaries, and improving welfare packages such as match bonuses and feeding allowances.

He also provided updates on the ongoing work at Aper Aku and McCarthy stadiums, noting that Akume Atongo Stadium would serve as a backup home ground if needed.

Coach Bala, who had a successful previous spell with the club, promised to build a competitive team where selection will be based purely on merit and quality. “We don’t discuss formations outside the pitchour focus on delivering results on it,” he said.

The event featured the signing of the contract between Lobi Stars and Coach Bala and was capped by a minute’s silence in honour of Akin Olowokere Assistant Coach of Shooting Stars, who passed away earlier that morning during exercise at Otunba Dipo Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Sports.ng