Chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club, Dr. Phillip Nongu, in this interview with NIGERIA PROJECT in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, speaks on the club’s relegation, the challenges faced under his leadership, and plans to rebuild stronger.
By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
Lobi Stars were relegated at the end of the 2024/25 NPFL season. How do you assess the situation?
The truth is that we are relegated, and as a board we take full responsibility. It was one of the toughest seasons in the club’s history. Mistakes may have been made, but the difference between failure and progress is the willingness to learn. We are learning quickly and firmly.
Your board took over very close to the start of the season. How did that affect the team?
We assumed control of Lobi Stars just two days before the league kicked off. All the players were recruited and registered by the past administration. When we came in, we discovered issues such as unpaid salaries, match bonuses, and clearance problems. We tackled those challenges immediately, but the timing was not in our favour.
What major challenges did you face during the season?
Beyond the results on the pitch, we faced relentless internal and external attacks from agents, club insiders, and power brokers who placed personal interests above collective progress. There was deliberate sabotage, technical instability, poor player attitude, and administrative setbacks. Even my executives and some players suffered insults and character defamation. Some individuals used the club’s struggles as a political tool, lobbying for my removal. Unfortunately, much of what was said about us was misinformation.
How did you handle staff and players’ welfare considering financial mismanagement has often been linked to Nigerian clubs?
When we came in, the club owed three months of unpaid salaries. We cleared all of it. I also discovered players and staff were not being paid the exact amounts stated in their contracts. For instance, a player whose contract was N1.5 million was receiving only N500,000. I corrected these discrepancies immediately. Since I took over, we have not owed salaries, except for June which was delayed until the players resumed, after which both June and July were paid.
Some critics claim your leadership contributed to the relegation. What is your response?
Let it be clear that Lobi Stars is not my personal property; it belongs to the people of Benue State. No amount of blackmail, ethnic politics, or lobbying will derail our vision. Relegation was painful, but I believe it is God’s design to prepare us for a stronger comeback.
How is the club preparing for life in the National League?
Rebuilding has already started. We have unveiled a new Technical Adviser, Bala Abubakar. We are scouting for disciplined and talented young players and putting in place a structure that rewards hard work and results. Our goal is not just to return to the NPFL but to come back stronger, better structured, and more united.
The governor recently urged the club to give indigenous players more opportunities. How are you responding?
We are already considering that directive. We are recruiting younger, homegrown players to replace ageing ones who can no longer perform at the highest level. We believe this will give the team more energy and deepen community support.
What role has the government played in supporting Lobi Stars under your leadership?
His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia, has been very supportive. When he appointed me, he said, “The club is broken, go and fix it.” I am grateful for his confidence and continued support, especially now that we are rebuilding.
Finally, what is your message to fans and journalists?
To our fans, I say: don’t give up on Lobi Stars. We are working hard to restore the pride of this club. To journalists, I appeal for fairness, always seek our side before publishing stories. As a civil servant, every naira I release to players or officials is documented and signed for. I have no skeletons in my cupboard. Accountability and transparency will continue to guide us.
