By Virginia Otikwu
Lobi Stars secured a 5-0 victory over Elite Dreams Football Academy in a friendly match played at the McCarthy Stadium, Makurdi, as the team continues preparations ahead of the resumption of the Nigeria National League (NNL).
The visitors put up a disciplined defensive performance in the opening stages of the game, limiting Lobi Stars’ attacking efforts for over 30 minutes, despite the home side enjoying most of the possession.
The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Suur Kumaga converted from the penalty spot after a handball incident inside the box. The goal opened up the game, and Lobi Stars began to play with more confidence. Shortly before halftime, Kumaga doubled the lead, taking advantage of space in the opposition half to finish calmly and give his side a 2-0 lead going into the break.
Lobi Stars continued to dominate after the restart. Okoh Chukwuma was fouled inside the penalty area after receiving a pass from Matthew Ajibola, and Kumaga stepped up again to score his second penalty of the match, completing his hat-trick.
Chukwuma later thought he had added his name to the scoresheet, but his effort was ruled out for offside. The setback did little to slow the home side, as young forward Benjamin Agugu made it 4-0 with a well-taken finish.
Substitute Paul Itim sealed the victory late on, beating his marker before scoring from close range following an assist from Abdulazeez Tijani.
After the match, head coach John Onuh played down the result, noting that the focus remains on building the team and improving match fitness ahead of the NNL second round.
