10-man Lobi Stars Beat Flight FC To Lift State Challenge Cup

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By Sportsgister

Lobi Stars scored twice in both halves of this year’s state federation cup final to defeat an NLO side, Flight FC 2-1 to win the first silverware of the season in a classical tie played at the famous JS Tarka Stadium, Gboko-Benue State.

Midseason signing, Edoh Ocheme who eventually won player of the match posed a threat to the opponents’ goalpost with several attempts including his beautiful header that almost broke the deadlock but was denied by the left post as the tie gets interested with both teams showing good flashes.

The Makurdi-based side got a breakthrough before halftime when Edoh did a spectacular bicycle kick that was heading into the net but was blocked by Paul Bem with his hands, leaving the referee with no option than to point to the penalty spot. Paul Itim stepped in and converted from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute to give his side the lead going into the break.

Former Super Eagles home-based forward, Barnabas Imenger doubled his side’s lead shortly upon resumption when he volleyed the ball at the edge of the box that rested into the net beyond Flight goalkeeper, Torshima Kpakor, changing the scoreline to 2-0 in the 51st minute.

The lower division side reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the 70th minute when Wuaiho Selu scored from the penalty spot when Kalu Orji stopped a goal opportunity with his hand and was shown the exit door by the centre referee.

Both teams’ goalkeepers stood firm to prevent further goals by producing some good saves which earned the Shoe Get Size goalie Daniel Emmanuel the best goalkeeper of the match upon full-time.

Responding to Sports journalists shortly after the final whistle, Head Coach of Lobi Stars, Eugene Agagbe praised his side for winning the silverware of the season saying, it will serve as a morale booster going into the national Federation Cup and the Nigeria Premier Football League.

“I give thanks to my players for giving us this trophy. Today as I always tell players, no trophy is small when you are looking for something big you start from small before you get to where you are looking for. So for us to grab the FA Cup at Gboko Township here it is for good

We look forward to going to Lagos for our midweek tie, this victory will also serve as a morale booster and a turnaround for us to have a good result in Lagos”. He maintained.

When pressed further about the reason for rotating the team the gaffer said, it was an opportunity to allow the other lads to showcase their talents and also improve their fitness which will be useful going back to the league.

Earlier, the ceremonial kick was taken by the Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese in an event attended by high-profile personalities who were at the Headquarters of Tiv nation to catch a glimpse of soccer memories including; the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who was represented by the Sports, Youth, and Creativity Commissioner, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange amongst others.

The Yes Father boys will shift attention to the NPFL and will take a long trip to Lagos to confront Sporting Lagos on matchday 28.