Nigeria Premier Football League

Match Report: Tiza’s brace lights up battle of Stars in Lafia

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LAFIA (Made In Africa Sport) – Lobi Stars held on strong in the dying stages to pick up all three points in a five goal thriller at the Lafia Township Stadium in matchday two of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on 8 of October 2023.

Replicating their first half performance last time in Owerri, the hosts started this encounter on the front foot with series of intricate passes that left the visitors chasing shadows.

Despite their dominance in the opening stages, it was until the 12th minute that the real threat came when Lobi’s right-back John Lazarus picked out winger, Adebayo Waheed with a beautifully timed pass but the wide man’s low drive was comfortably saves by Sunshine Stars goalkeeper, Mustapha Lawal.

Lobi continuously probed the Akure Gunners defense in the entirety of the first half but shot stopper Mustapha Lawal was equal to everything thrown at him as he was the busiest of the two goalkeepers in the first half.

With Mustapha Lawal standing firm, both teams went into the interval goalless.

It became a different fortune for the Sunshine Stars goalkeeper, Mustapha Lawal, who had been brilliant in the first half, in the second half as his mistimed pass gifted Samuel Tiza a chance to put the home side ahead and the attacker made no mistake from 20-yard out with a well taken shot that beat him in the 51st minute.

Lobi continued dictating the play on the afternoon which led Edith Agoye to make a triple substitution of Ibrahim Yusuf, Richard Christopher and Nwanyi Ikechukwu who were replaced by Opeoluwa Oluwafemi, Lucky Nwafo and Michael Olalusi in the 62nd minute.

Eight minutes after the Sunshine Stars tactical change, Samuel Tiza got his second of the day with a fine header at the back post after a swift delivery from Muhammed Rabiu in the 69th minute.

Lobi kept on showing their prowess on the afternoon but Tiawo Abdurafiu halved the deficit for the away team on the 78th minute after his free kick beat Emmanuel Daniel, the Lobi Stars goalkeeper who replaced Lucky Jimoh in the first half after the latter picked up a knock.

Substitute, Ajibola Adeleke restored Lobi’s two goal lead in the 84th minute with another beautiful header which sent the home fans into frenzy as their team made it 3-1 at that time.

While Lobi Stars were trying to run down the clock to confirm their victory, Sunshine Stars had something in store for the Makurdi outfit as they kept probing the Lobi defense in an attempt to rescue the day.

Their pressure paid off in injury time as substitute, Michael Olalusi scored the second for Sunshine Stars with what was the last kick of the game.

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What’s next

The victory means Lobi Stars are joint top of the NPFL table as they go level on points with Sporting Lagos. The Pride of Benue will travel to Muhammadu Diko Stadium on Wednesday, 11th October, 2023 to face Katsina United on match day three of the 2023/2024 NPFL.

For the Akure Gunners, they’ll be looking to return to winning ways as they host Heartland FC of Owerri at home on Wednesday, 11th October, 2023.

Matchday two results

Elias Adah

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