Lobi Stars of Makurdi coach, Eugene Agagbe has declared that he and his players will quickly put behind them Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to Shooting Stars of Ibadan in order for them to concentrate on facing Bendel Insurance of Benin City this weekend.
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Three of their former players ensured that the Middle Belt side fell at Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, as Alex Aghahowa and Douglas Achiv grabbed the goals, while Okemute Odah kept a clean sheet fot the third match running, much to Agagbe’s dismay.
It means Lobi Stars dropped to third position on the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) table, with 51 points from 30 matches, two defeats in the last five and only one win.
They pulled off two straight draws before Tuesday’s defeat, flaunting a haul of 34 goals for and 28 against to show for their efforts, all of which Agagbe says have been commendable performances by his players.
He equally praised their efforts in Tuesday’s loss to 3SC and, while taking full responsibility for the defeat, the soft-spoken gaffer pointed out the need for them to quickly turn all their attention on this weekend’s game at home against The Benin Arsenal.
Insurance will enter the match day 31 game at Lafia Stadium placed 8th on the NPFL log and 41 points to show, which would make them determined to turn the apple cart against Agagbe’s lads.
He readily admitted the impending threat from the Benin City side, hence his charge to all Lobi Stars’ players to quickly shake off their loss in Ibadan and plan how to get maximum points this weekend.
“I am happy with their performance,” Agagbe began, adding, “They showed great character. They showed why they are top and that they are no pushover.
“Normally, in games, when you have a strategy, certain things will come out that will prevent your plan from going in the direction you wanted it to go.
“That’s why, as a coach, I have to take responsibility for the loss, especially because they played very well.”
He then turned his attention on making plans for how Lobi Stars would pick maximum points when they host their guests from Benin City at their adopted home in Lafia.
“Today’s game is gone. We are now looking forward to our next game at home against Insurance of Benin.
“So, this defeat we have put aside. We have to get home to work hard and get victory this weekend,” Agagbe posited.
