Contrary to widespread reports that Lobi Stars are currently in a closed camp in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State ahead of their CAF Champions League tie against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa slated for Friday January 11 in Nigeria, coach of the side, Solomon Ogbeide has revealed that the team is actually in Makurdi, Benue State.
According to the veteran coach, the players recently regrouped after the management of the team gave them some time off for the yuletide period to celebrate with their friends and family so as to return refreshed and reinvigorated for the task ahead.
Speaking with Sports247.ng Ogbeide noted that the break given to the players was well deserved after their recent successful performance at the ongoing 2018/2019 CAF Champions League.
The team will play 2016 CAF Champions League winner Mamelodi Sundowns in their first group match. Lobi has been placed in Group A of the championship and will play Morocco’s Wydad Cassablanca, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and ASEC Mimosa of Cote d’Ivoire.
Lobi Stars was selected as Nigeria’s representative in the money spinning league after the NPFL was brought to an abrupt end after crises rocked Nigerian football immediately after the 2018 World Cup which led to the league being abandoned after 24 games.
Lobi Stars defeated UMS de Loum of Cameroon in the preliminary stage of the competition before dumping Gor Mahia of Kenya out of the tournament in the first round playoffs despite losing the first leg 3 – 1 in Kenya.
