Three goals from the trio of Joseph Atule, Mustapha Dan Azimi and Annas Hassan cruise Lobi Stars to victory over resilient Red and Black Flames FC in a four-goal thriller to lift the 2023 State Challenge Cup at Mccarthy Stadium, Makurdi.
Coach Mohammed Baba Ganaru’s men started the encounter with great intent with several scoring chances begging for execution in the early proceedings being missed out as the final touch was lacking.
Though, the long-awaited moment arrived in the 21st minute when the centre referee pointed to the spot after Abraham Gabriel of Red and Black Flames handled the ball in the 18-yard box when he tried to stop Atule from causing harm.
Atule stepped up for the big occasion but unfortunately, the winger missed the spot kick as the opposing goalkeeper Soronnadi Onyedikachi dived the right way and denied Atule’s effort when he pulled a spectacular save.
However, luck was not on the side of the youngster goalie as Atule reacted quicker and was able to restore his dignity after the rebounded ball from the opposing goalkeeper met him to tap into an empty net in the 22nd minute to change the score line to 1-0.
The Makurdi-based side surged forward after the opener for the second goal of the day with good interchanges of passes in the middle of the pack as well as a switch of play but they all failed to yield the precise results to end the first half 1-0.
The Otukpo-based side drew some level of inspiration after a first-half team talk from head Coach Otokpa Edwin. They grew stronger into the game on resumption and they restored parity in the 52nd minute after a well-taken free kick by Nwaogwu Benjamin ended into the net to change the scoreline to 1-1.
Though their wide jubilation was cut short ten minutes after when substitute Mustapha Danazimi was at the right point and restored the needed lead for Lobi Stars when he nodded a brilliant free kick from Solomon Kwambe in the 62nd minute to change the scoreline once again to 2-1.
The non-league side conceded the third of the day after substitute Terdoo Shimagande cleverly collected the ball from his marker and released a thunderous shot on goal, however, the opposing goalkeeper failed to deal with his shot once and the ball rebounded to meet another Lobi substitute Hassan Annas into the box, the attacking midfielder never hesitated to score as he jabbed the ball straight into the net from close range to make it 3-1 in the 90th minute.
Efforts made by the otukpo-based enterprising young side to reduce the deficit were proved abortive upon the regulation time.
The result has helped Lobi Stars to secure the first domestic trophy in the 2023 season which will serve as a moral booster going into the second stanza of the NPFL season.
Both teams have qualified for the National Challenge Cup which is also called AITEO Cup.
Lobi Captain Daniel Atsaka who received the giant trophy from the stand on behalf of his teammates expressed happiness and thanked God for the victory
Reacting the Chief Coach of Lobi Stars, Tar Akombo expressed happiness for the victory, saying no trophy is small, adding that, what the team achieved will serve as a huge booster that will bring more confidence.
Coach Edwin Otokpa in his post-match reaction appreciated his side for putting on a good fight against Lobi Stars, according to him it was a good privilege to play a good professional league side.