After the painful 0-0 draw at home with fellow strugglers Kano Pillars on Sunday April 10, Lobi Stars have shifted their focus to the MatchDay 23 clash with erratic 3SC of Ibadan where they are hoping to pick their first away victory of the season as they continue with their fight against relegation.
Truth must be told, Lobi Stars are presently in an unfamiliar position on the table but the return of former international, Dominic Iorfa, as Vice-chairman has ushered in a new wave of infectious confidence which has translated into improved performances in the last three matches.
Lobi Stars had spanked third placed Enugu Rangers 2-0 in the opening match of the second round, suffered a narrow 0-1 loss at table toppers Rivers United before they were forced to a barren draw in Makurdi by former champions Kano Pillars.
Although there has been significant improvement, Lobi Stars’ conversion rate is still low as the team scored only twice against Rangers, fired blank at Rivers United and attempted 17 shots at goal in MatchDay 22 against Kano Pillars without a goal to show for their efforts.
Lobi Stars will be going into the NPFL MatchDay 23 against Shooting Stars having picked four points from their last five games both home and away, averaging 0.8 PPG, hitting the back of the net six times, while Shooting Stars have picked seven points within the period under review, with an average of 1.4 PPG and fared worse in goal scoring with only three goals.
Even as Shooting Stars have found an impregnable fortress in Lekan Salami stadium with an enviable unbeaten home record stretching to 11 matches, Lobi Stars can draw inspiration from the fact that the Oluyole Warriors had drawn five times at home.
In an all time head to head, both clubs have met seven times in the NPFL. From available records, Lobi Stars have won four times and drawn once, leaving Shooting Stars with two wins, which shows superiority on the part of the ‘Pride of Benue’.
However, Coach Mohammed Baba Ganaru, needs to firm up his team’s attacking prowess to improve the conversion rate in order to break down Shooting Stars’ defence that has kept nine clean sheets in the current season.
Meanwhile, Vice chairman/CEO of Lobi Stars, Mr Dominic Iorfa, has continued with his uncommon motivation as players and officials of the club were presented with sets of brand new club kits on the night before they departed their cosy Dozat Jens Hotel Camp Makurdi in high spirit for Ibadan.
