Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, Benue State, has defeated Plateau United 1- 0 in the going Under 17 Nigeria Premier Football League zonal playoff on Friday in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Samson Iorshase’s first-half strike 18 minutes into the game sealed victory for the Makurdi-based youngsters at the Lafia City Stadium.

Vice Chairman, Nigeria premier football League and Chief Executive Officer of Lobi Stars, Dominic Iorfa, said that Lobi Stars took home advantage to defeat Plateau United.

Mr Iorfa said that Lobi Stars was likely to qualify for the next stage having won their matches.

“It is a local derby. We took home advantage and we won. Plateau has a lot of chances. It is not their day so at the end of the day we won. We are likely going to qualify for the next stage so we give glory to God. The game was explosive for the two teams and we won by luck,” he said.

General Manager, Plateau United FC, Murtala Habila, said his team was defeated not because they didn’t play well but because it was not their luck.

“We have not lost hope. Tomorrow’s match will determine who is actually going to qualify to lead the North Central zone. It is a good match, we look forward to more of this, and I want to say to my team that it is he who fights and run away that lives to fight another day.

“So we are looking forward to another day to fight again, so whatever happens is football. Our sincere prayer is that whoever may emerge from this zone, should  represent the zone well,” he said.

(NAN)