By Aderonke Ojo
Lobi Stars began their new league campaign, 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season,on a winning note on Saturday , edging City FC of Abuja 1–0 at the Lafia City Stadium, thanks to a superb first-half free kick from fleet-footed forward Suur Kumaga.
The tense encounter opened with City FC showing early intent as their energetic striker, Philip Eugene, led several forays into the hosts’ defence.
Lobi Stars, however, nearly took the lead in the 7th minute when Bidemi Uwouku connected with a neat pass from Kumaga, but his effort was calmly gathered by goalkeeper Emmanuel Adayilo.
City FC responded with an 11th-minute attack down the left flank, but Valentine Egiga recovered swiftly to break the move, setting up another Lobi offensive.
Kumaga dazzled the visiting defence moments later, yet his eventual strike again found Adayilo well-positioned.
Both sides pushed relentlessly but could not find a breakthrough before the referee called for a cooling break in the 30th minute.
The turning point arrived in the 43rd minute when sustained pressure from Lobi Stars forced City FC defender Chijindu Okah into handling the ball at the edge of the penalty area.
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Kumaga stepped up and thundered in the resulting free kick, handing the hosts a deserved lead.
City FC nearly levelled in added time, but a desperate run from Eugene was halted by former Super Eagles defender Solomon Kwambe, earning Lobi a defensive free kick as the half ended 1–0.
On resumption, Coach Abubakar Bala Mohammed made tactical changes, introducing Jimmy Iteji and Peter Onah to strengthen the midfield.
The adjustment paid off as Lobi created further chances, including a golden opportunity for Mathew Ajibola in the 63rd minute, but Adayilo again produced a fine save.
Kumaga came close to doubling the lead in the 69th minute after beating the defence to a lofted pass from Kwambe, only to send his chipped effort inches wide.
Late substitutions — Dominic Foga and Emmanuel Ofem replacing Azeez Tijanni and Bidemi Owoku — injected fresh attacking energy, but Lobi Stars were unable to extend their advantage.
Despite the narrow margin, the hosts held firm to secure their first three points of the season.
Speaking after the match, Coach Mohammed commended his players’ commitment, describing the club’s current league position as “abnormal” and vowing to provide the technical direction needed to restore Lobi to the Premier League.
Lobi Stars will next travel to Kano, where they face Kada FC in their adopted home ground for a matchday two fixture as they look to build on their opening-day success.and city FC will face sokoto united FC.
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