By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
Zukilifu Mohammed’s ambitious long-range strike from about 40 metres gave Lobi stars victory against home side, Nassarawa United in the main bowl of Lafia township stadium Saturday.
The pre-season friendly encounter was meant to tune in the players of both teams for the commencement of the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, season later in the month.
The serious approach from both teams produced pace, precision, and contact which re-enacted intensity in the atmosphere as the large crowd in the stadium spoke of the rivalry between the teams.
The Stars were on the rampage dominating play in front of the home fans and creating positive scoring chances throughout the first 45 minutes, however. But the United boys, playing for pride, refused to go down as a weeping side. Their occasional break throughs from long trust probing passes was continual scare to the visitors.
In the absence of former Lobi stars’ goal poacher,Tule, who has been snatched away from the club by Enyimba fc, Tiza Samuel and Amodu Liman could not deliver effectively in the attack. Their close-range efforts lacked the required clinical finish to get the goals.
Intensification of pressure from the Stars on resumption after the break from all flanks saw the United boys capitulate. Lobi stars took command of proceedings and kept possession of the ball to the admiration of fans.
In the 86th minute however, an Ajibola through pass located a lurking Zukilifu Mohammed, who throttled past forest of legs, riffling a close to 40 metre shot that beat the keeper hopelessly. The deadlock was broken just four minutes to regulation time.
The goal devasted the home boys who had given Lobi stars a good fight for their pride. A late United substitute, Destiny Nyam had an opportunity to restore parity given him on a platter, but clumsy delivery posed no danger as Stars goaltender, Jimoh Lucky, stretching full length ensured Lobi Stars left Lafia victorious.
