NNL: Lobi Stars unveils new Coach Abubakar, urges him to make history

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Lobi Stars football club has unveiled a new Technical Adviser, Bala Abubakar for the forthcoming Nigeria Nationwide League, (NNL) scheduled to commence November 30, 2025.

Speaking during the unveiling the new coach at the Ministry of Sports Youth and Creativity in Makurdi on Monday, Chairman of the club, Dr.

He said the past Nigeria Professional football league, NPFL season was the toughest ending in disappointment with relegation to the second division.

Nongu noted that internal wrangling, power brokers, technical instability, administrative backstabbing, players recklessness, call for his removal, morale of team was dampened by half truth.

He said, “several key issues raised by players before I assumed office last season was that of three months salaries and match bonuses players which were tackled.

He said “We take full responsibility for the relegation of the team but we are learning fast and firmly rebuilding. We have started scouting for talented players. We are aiming to return stronger. We are recruiting younger indigenous players to replace old ones who cannot no longer play.

“No amount of blackmail or ethnic castigating will derail us, we remain focused and firm. We have engaged the services of Bala Abubakar from Niger State. I asked him if he is ready to do the job and he told me he wants to make history with the team by returning it to the elite league.

“As part of motivation last season which are sustaining, we have increased match bonuses with each player getting N70, 000 naira for home win while each officials gets N50,000.

The Chairman said the club is proposing Katsina Ala stadium to play its matches in the event that work at the McCarthy Stadium is not completed.

In his response, the Technical Adviser, Bala Abubakar said “I believe this time it is different. NNL is difficult and a familiar terrain. With support I will take the team back to the Premier League.”