Lobi Stars and Bendel insurance are two household names that have been in the Nigeria premier league for decades. While Lobi Stars was a rebirth of several transitions from Hwaks of Makurdi to BBL Hwaks and later taken over by the defunct Lobi Bank, Bendel Insurance continue to maintained its identity except for its management team and technical crews.
In a much anticipated match, the two are set to lock horns and Lobi Stars football club of Makurdi must work hard if it must escape the relegation axe. To achieve this will require a lot of commitments, dedication and patriotism from both players and the Technical crew whom I know will capitalise on any slightest opportunity to secure an away victory and move up on the league table.
As an away match this week, Lobi Stars has to travel to Benin City, the epic centre of the crucial Matchday 18 showdown against Bendel Insurance in the Nigeria Premier Football League. Of course, this will require adequate preparations including effective logistics as Benin city, the Edo state capital is not Lafia, our next door neighbours which is just an hour journey to avoid fatigue.
It is equally important to state here that, Lobi stars should not be carried away by their slim victory over plateau united but should capitalised on the 1-0 success against the Tin City boys to consolidate on their position.. “The Pride of Benue” as we fondly call them are urrently on the 15th position with 19 points, have an uphill task as earlier stated if they must sustain their nenewed spirit when the whistle finally blast for the showdown by 5:30 PM kickoff at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
With the club approaching the climax of the season, it is our expectations and prayers that the Alia Boys remained resolute to steer clear of the stormy weather of relegation as this will reduce supporter’s blood pressures each time the club is in the field of play particularly the 2024 premier league season.
No doubt, their opponent is four steps below them on the league table, The Alia boys should never take them for granted or may be use as an escape route and cash cows to improve their lamentable position.
In addition, the Insurance boys now 19th position with 17 points on the league table, they are equally desperate for a victory to escape the relegation zone and will capitalize on their home advantage and any technical error to alter their circumstances and improve their position.
As history will have it, the Insurance boys had a very secured position with a lot of insurance cover, gained a slight edge over Lobi Stars in the 2023 season as the secured a draw in Lafia and a narrow win in Benin last season. However, this season, the table has turn with Lobi Stars now on top and on their way to alter the pendulum of history.
The Alia boys should watch out for the return of Moses Tsehuan and the attacking pair of Waheed Adebayo and Stanley Oganbor who will form the terror squad haven returned from injuries and missing crucial matches.
The Ogbemudia stadium this weekend from all indications will not be a bed of roses as each team will be merciless and more focus as both teams are acutely aware of the high stakes involved in this encounter as this will go beyond the usual hostiluck.
Fans are keenly watching in high expectations to see a new stars that will keep smiles on their faces. Our prayers are with you, the stars of Benue football. This will also form part of our Christmas package from the club. Good luck!
