Lobi Stars defeated Rivers United 3-2 in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 11 match on Wednesday evening at the new Jos stadium in Jos.
Coach Stanley Eguma named an unchanged lineup for the top-of-the-table clash after his team’s goalless draw against Niger Tornadoes in Kaduna on April 2nd.
While his counterpart, Mohammed Babaganaru, restored Monday Akile to the starting lineup after the midfielder missed his team’s 2-0 victory over Abia Warriors on Matchday 13.
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In the 10th minute, the hosts got off to a good start with a good goal opportunity initiated by John Lazarus after his precise cross into the 18 yard box was not utilized by Suur Kumaga as the striker’s shot went out for goal kick.
United Rivers The dreadful evening continued when Nigerian International goalkeeper Victor Sochima was shown a straight red card for handling the ball outside the box when Lobi Stars’ Suur Kumaga put the ball above him just four minutes before halftime, forcing the away side to make an early change as the game ended in a barren first half draw.
In the second half, the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinalists took the lead thanks to a freekick by Mohammed.
In the 66th minute of the game, the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinalists took the lead thanks to a freekick from Mohammed Farouk.
Five minutes later, Umar Abba’s left footer beat Victor Sochima’s replacement Darlington Ovunda to bring the hosts level.
Lobi Stars took the lead for the first time when Wasiu Alalade met John Lazarus’ cross with a thunderous header with four minutes remaining.
Chiamaka Madu restored parity for the visitors after a well-taken corner kick by Ebube Duru in the 90th minute, as coach Stanley Eguma’s men fought back into the game.
After exerting minutes of pressure on the hosts, the Benue state club took a deserved lead in the final minute of stoppage time when John Lazarus met Elijah Ani’s cross in the 18-yard box with a header that beat goalkeeper Darlington Ovunda.
Lobi Stars’ victory moved them six points clear of group A rivals Rivers United, while Rivers United remained second on the log with a game in hand.