The Management of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, has unveiled Coach Abubakar Bala as their new Technical Adviser, kicking off a rebuilding phase with the goal of rejoining the Nigeria Premier Football League, next season.
The new Technical Adviser was unveiled during a press conference in Makurdi, by club Chairman Dr. Philip Nongu, who is also Acting Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Creativity.
Addressing members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Dr. Nongu acknowledged the challenges inherited from the previous administration, including a two-month salary backlog and a shackey structure that metamorphosed into abysmal performance and subsequent relegation from the premier League.
Dr. Nongu mentioned the lack of support during away matches as a contributing factor to the team's relegation, along with other unfavorable conditions.
He appealed to the state government to complete work on Aper Aku Stadium for use in the Nigeria National League campaign.
The Lobi Stars Chairman also dispelled rumours of unpaid players salaries and pledged to begin rebuilding the team.
He stated that efforts were being made to introduce new jerseys and equipment, recruit young talents, and improve welfare packages for the players.
Coach Bala, who had a successful tenure with the club in the past, vowed to focus on results and merit-based selection to lead Lobi Stars back to the premier League.
The event highlighted the signing of the contract between Lobi Stars and Coach Bala, followed by a moment of silence in honor of the late Assistant Coach of Shooting Stars, Akin Olowokere.
