Daily Trust

Ortom pledges support for Lobi Stars’ fight against relegation

- By David Ngobua who was in Makurdi

The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has promised unflinchin­g support for the state owned Nigeria Profession­al Football League (NPFL) side, Lobi Stars in the fight against relegation.

The 1999 Nigerian champions who stumbled several times in the first round of the ongoing NPFL season are presently hovering around the drop zone.

To save the club from relegation, the governor then approved the reappointm­ent of former Nigerian internatio­nal, Dominic, Iorfa to take charge of the club at the beginning of the second round.

Although the club is still gasping for breath in 16th place on the table after 26 matches, there are indication­s that they will be better placed after their week 27 fixture with Katsina United in Makurdi.

Speaking on the precarious situation Lobi

Stars have found themselves in, the governor said Iorfa was recalled based on his wealth of experience and the state is not expecting anything less than Lobi Stars’ safety at the end of the season.

“The former management was not doing well so the club was going down and we felt that we should rescue the club from relegation.

“We are looking forward to the current management doing well. If they don’t do well, they know the consequenc­es.

“We are doing everything under the sun to ensure that they perform well in this new assignment. I am confident that with the support we are giving to them, they will succeed in their assignment,” said Ortom.

Lobi Stars on Sunday edged out neighbours Nasarawa United 2-1 to keep hopes of survival alive.

 ?? ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Nigeria