Lobi Stars’ remarkable 27-year tenure in the Nigeria Premier Football League came to an end on Saturday evening following a 2–0 defeat to Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Without a permanent home ground this season, the Makurdi-based club entered matchday 33 anchored to the bottom of the table and desperately needing a win. However, goals from Ahmed Musa and Naziru Auwalu Ibrahim sealed their relegation, with five league fixtures still remaining.
Lobi held their own in the first half, but the deadlock was broken ten minutes into the second period when veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali teed up Musa for the opener. In stoppage time, with Lobi throwing men forward in search of an equaliser, Kano Pillars were awarded a penalty. Naziru stepped up and converted, putting the result beyond doubt and officially consigning Lobi Stars to the second tier.
It has been a dismal season for Lobi, who have posted the worst statistics in the league: fewest wins (5), fewest goals scored (23), most losses (18), and the lowest points tally (25).
The club’s relegation marks a dramatic fall from grace. Lobi made history by becoming the first Nigerian club to win the league in their debut season in 1998–99. They have also flown the flag for Nigeria in continental competitions, competing in the CAF Confederation Cup in 2003, 2005, and 2012, and reaching the group stage of the CAF Champions League in 2018—a feat no other Nigerian club has achieved since.
