Basira FC Stun Lobi Stars 2–0 In NNL North Central Derby

Basira FC of Lafia handed Lobi Stars of Makurdi their first defeat of the season with a 2–0 victory in their Nigeria National League (NNL) Group C Matchday 9 encounter in Lafia.

Lobi Stars, led by Head Coach James Onu, struggled to find rhythm in the second half as the home side capitalised on key moments to secure all three points.

Reacting after the match, Onu expressed disappointment with his team’s performance, attributing the loss to lapses in concentration.

“This is an unfortunate situation. We did not get it right and careless mistakes from the players have cost us two goals,” he said.

The coach admitted he was concerned about his team’s display after the break. “Something is wrong somewhere; I cannot figure it out right now,” he added.

Onu, who described the defeat as his first since taking charge of the club, accepted responsibility for the outcome.

“This is the first match I am losing here, and it’s a very sad one. It’s lack of concentration. That is all it is,” he said.

He characterised the goals conceded as “cheap” and assured supporters that the team would make corrections ahead of subsequent fixtures.

“For sure, this kind of result cannot happen to us again. We will go back and fix it up,” he stated.

Despite the setback, Onu acknowledged the quality of the opposition, describing Basira FC as “a good side with young and mobile players,” while maintaining that Lobi Stars have the capacity to bounce back.

After a goalless first half, Basira FC broke the deadlock in the 65th minute through Aminu Yarima, who gave the hosts the lead. Lobi Stars pushed for an equaliser, but Usman Usman doubled the advantage in the 75th minute to seal the win for the Lafia-based side.

Basira FC Head Coach Aminu Musa praised his players for their performance and discipline.

“Glory be to God, we won the match. We worked for it and God gave us,” Musa said.

He commended his squad’s determination, noting, “Our boys are a good side; they are just coming up. We had to put it in today. When we get a challenge, we challenge it.”

Speaking on his team’s approach, Musa said, “The secret is to play where we win. That’s the only secret.”

With the victory boosting Basira FC’s position in Group C, the coach expressed optimism about their campaign.

“With this result, I’m going for the number one seat by the grace of God. I’m just taking my time. At the end of the day, God will answer my prayer,” he said.

“I trust my officials, I trust my players. By the grace of God, they will deliver it for me.”

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