Lobi Stars Football club of Makurdi on Wednesday defeated Akwa United Football club 1-0 in the Nigerian Professional Football League match played at the Aper Aku Stadium Makurdi.
The tension soaked encounter saw the two teams making frantic efforts to get the opener but none was able to break each other’s defence.
In the 16th minute, Lobi made a substitution, replacing injured Thomas Adesina with Austine Ogunye.
But 17 minutes after, Ogunye scored for the hosts. Sanou provided the assist.The goal proved to be the only one in the match. Akwa made several attempts to equalise, but they were blocked by Lobi’s defence. In one instance, defender Zango flung himself at an Akwa goal attempt, to mount a superb blockade.
During the second half, the visitors tried to push forward, but the Lobi boys stood firm.
The match was stopped for three minutes after Lobi keeper Kayode went down on the pitch. This was at the 56th minute. Play resumed in the 59th, after he was treated.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Akwa, which started the second half strongly, faded off as the game went on.
Head Coach of Lobi Stars Solomon Ogbeide expressed satisfaction with the officiating and praised his boys.
He thanked his players for giving a good account of themselves.
He said the team would continue to improve.
In other matches played today Sunshine Stars of Akure beat MFM FC 2-1 , while Plateau United edged Rangers International 1-0 in Jos.