By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi opened their 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bichi FC on Sunday, surviving sustained pressure from the Kano-based side to secure maximum points at the McCarthy Stadium.
Our correspondent reports that Lobi Stars had goalkeeper Daniel Atsaka and a resolute defence to thank after holding off a spirited Bichi FC to secure the narrow 1-0 victory.
Despite dominating possession for large spells, the newly established Kano-based side failed to break down Lobi’s defensive resistance at the McCarthy Stadium in Makurdi, where a capacity crowd watched the former top-flight club begin its promotion campaign with maximum points.
Dominic Foga’s 16th-minute strike separated both sides after left winger Shedrack David produced an impressive solo run before setting up the striker to finish from close range.
Foga had earlier warned of his attacking threat in the eighth minute, forcing Bichi goalkeeper Philip Lordful into a save, while Atsaka was equally alert at the other end, pushing away a dangerous long-range effort as the visitors sought an immediate response.
Bichi increased the pressure after the break, with Suraj Yasir and attacking midfielder Ahmed Musa combining repeatedly to unsettle the home defence. However, Francis Odinaka marshalled the backline with authority, earning the Man of the Match award for his impressive performance.
Lobi coach Bala Nikyu responded to Bichi’s midfield dominance by introducing returnee Raphael Ayagwa, while Bichi’s technical adviser, Bassey Patrick, brought on Jonathan Richard as the visitors intensified their search for an equaliser.
The visitors continued to press for a breakthrough, but Atsaka and his defenders remained resolute. Lobi almost punished them in added time when substitute Vershima Agbanyi went close to doubling the lead, only for Lordful to parry his close-range effort.
Speaking after the encounter, Nikyu acknowledged the difficulty of opening fixtures, saying his priority was to secure the three points and build momentum for the remaining matches.
Patrick, however, remained optimistic about Bichi’s prospects, expressing confidence that his team would secure promotion to the elite division at the end of the season.
Lobi chairman, Terver Ikya, praised the players’ resilience, determination and commitment, insisting that the club was determined to return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) next season.
