Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi on Sunday condemned Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin to a 2-0 defeat, to worsen the Ilorin-based Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side’s season.

The match day 17 2023/2024 NPFL season was played at the Kwara Stadium Complex, Ilorin.

It was a match that coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo’s boys needed to win, following a three-match ultimatum given to the coaching crew.

The goals were scored in the first half. The first was an own goal in the 20th minute, and the second, in the 41st minute, also from a defensive error.

The goals left Kwara United struggling, making mistakes after mistakes, and were forced to make the first change as Shola AbdulRaheem was injured in the 37th minute and  was replaced with Ayo Adejubu.

Kwara United resumed the second half with renewed determination and could have scored from a spot kick when Emmanuel Ogbole was fouled in the box, but Paul Samson could not convert the penalty.

Lobi Stars coach, Eugene Agagbe, said that the target was to beat the home team to increase their chance of a top-three finish.

Dogo congratulated Lobi Stars and vowed that his team would bounce back.

“It’s football. I don’t want to comment on Kwara United’s predicaments. With time, Kwara people will know what the problems are,” said Dogo.

(NAN)