Lobi Stars defeated league champions Rivers United 3-2 in a rescheduled Nigeria premier football league (NPFL) Matchday 11 fixture at the new Jos stadium in Jos on Wednesday evening.
The encounter, which was a top of the table clash saw coach Stanley Eguma named an unchanged lineup after his side’s goalless draw against Niger Tornadoes in Kaduna on April 2nd.
While his counterpart, Mohammed Babaganaru brought back Monday Akile into the starting XI after the Midfielder had earlier missed his team’s 2-0 victory over Abia Warriors on Matchday 13.
The hosts started on the strong foot with a good goal opportunity initiated by John Lazarus after his precise cross into the 18 yard box wasn’t utilized by Suur Kumaga as the striker’s shot went out for goal kick in the 10th minute.
Rivers United Woeful evening continued as Nigerian International goalkeeper Victor Sochima was shown a straight red card after he handled the ball outside the box when Suur Kumaga of Lobi Stars put the ball above him just four minutes before the half hour mark, forcing the away side to make an early change as the game ended in a barren first half draw.
Into the second half, the CAF Confederation Cup quarter finalists then took the lead from a freekick through Mohammed Farouk in the 66th minute of the encounter.
Five minutes later, the hosts then drew level after Umar Abba’s left footer strike beat Victor Sochima’s replacement Darlington Ovunda.
Lobi Stars then took the lead for the first time through Wasiu Alalade who met John Lazarus’s cross with a thunderous header with just four minutes to the 90.
Coach Stanley Eguma’s men fought back into the game in the 90th minute as Chiamaka Madu restored parity for the visitors after a well taken corner kick by Ebube Duru.
After minutes of pressure from the hosts, the Benue state club then got a deserved lead in the last minute of stoppage time when John Lazarus met with Elijah Ani’s cross in the 18 yard box with his header beating goalkeeper Darlington Ovunda.
Victory for Lobi Stars took them six points clear of rivals Rivers United in group A while Rivers United remained second on the log with a game in hand.
