Lobi, Dream Team to re-open Aper Aku stadium

Vice-chairman of Lobi Stars of Makurdi, Dominic Iorfa has said arrangements are in top gear for the refurbished Aper Aku Stadium to be re-opened with a friendly match to be played between his team and the national U-23 side, the Dream Team.

For close to three years, the stadium which served as the home ground of Lobi Stars was closed down for renovation but the edifice is now ready for use.

Iorfa, who spoke to Daily Trust yesterday, said he has written to the Nigeria Football Federation for the Dream Team of Coach Samson Siasia to play Lobi Stars on March 15.

He explained that Lobi Stars were to play their first home match against Enyimba on the same date but since the CAF Champions League campaigners would be away for their continental engagement, his side would use the opportunity to play the Dream Team.

Iorfa said the government of Benue State and Lobi Stars are making arrangements for a befitting ceremony to re-open the stadium which had hosted many national and international competitions.

The former international also disclosed that after the opening ceremony, Lobi Stars will return to their traditional home ground after playing two seasons at the Emmanuel Akume Atongo stadium KatsinaAla.

“I am discussing with the NFF for us to play a friendly match against the Dream Team. We were supposed to play Enyimba on April 15 but they have continental match so we shall use the opportunity to re-open the stadium.

“The match will serve as official re-opening of Aper Aku stadium, which is our home ground.

“Renovation work on the stadium is completed and we are ready to put it to use. This season, we shall be playing our home matches at the Aper Aku stadium,” he said.