In a surprising turn of events within the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), former Nigerian international and renowned football figure Daniel Amokachi has resigned from his managerial position at Lobi Stars, a club currently languishing at the bottom of the league table.
With only 22 points accumulated from 24 matches, the Makurdi-based outfit is facing an uphill battle against relegation.
Lobi Stars’ woes have deepened significantly in recent weeks, as the team has struggled to find form, failing to secure victory in their last nine outings. The situation grows increasingly precarious for the club, and Amokachi’s departure raises questions about the future of the coaching staff and players as they attempt to navigate this turbulent season.
In the wake of Amokachi’s resignation, the club assistant coach and former captain Tar Akombo will take the reins for their upcoming NPFL clash against the second-placed Shooting Stars.
Akombo, who brings both experience and a deep understanding of the club’s ethos, will need all his knowledge and skill to inspire the players and steer the team towards much-needed points in the league.
Interestingly, it has been reported that Amokachi had initially tendered his resignation in December but was persuaded to stay on at that time. However, the persistent struggles of the team and their inability to secure a win in their last nine league matches ultimately led to his resignation becoming inevitable.
Compounding the club’s difficulties is their lack of a home ground. Due to ongoing rehabilitation works at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi, Lobi Stars have been forced to play their home matches in Bauchi, having previously moved from Lafia Township Stadium. This disruption has undoubtedly affected not only their performance but also the morale of the players and the club’s supporters, as they seek familiar territory to rebuild and regain their competitive edge.
The situation at Lobi Stars serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes in football, where coaching changes are often a last-ditch effort to inject fresh energy into a struggling side. As the club looks to regroup under Akombo’s leadership, the upcoming fixtures will be critical. The fans, who remain hopeful despite the dark clouds looming over the club, will be eagerly awaiting any signs of revival as they seek to avoid the grim prospect of relegation from the NPFL.
