There appears to be no respite for embattled Lobi Stars of Makurdi as they lost 5-3 to Enugu Rangers in Match Day 19 fixture to end the first stanza of the 2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPL) season on a sour note.
The match played at the newly constructed Awka Township stadium  was a one-way contest in the first half but the visitors rallied back to end with a more respectable score line on Coach Eugene Agagbe’sNPFl debut.
Rangers took the lead early when KenechukwuAgu converted the penalty kick that was awarded to his side in the 10th minute after former Lobi Stars striker Ossy Martins was tripped in the box.
Martins himself doubled Rangers lead in the 21st minute before bagging his brace in the added minutes of the first half to ensure Rangers took a comfortable lead into the break.
On resumption, Rangers continued from where they left-off in the first half as ChidebereNwobodo made it four for the ‘Flying Antelopes’.
However, in the 57th minute, Raphael Ayagwa started Lobi Stars fight back with his goal from the spot, Joshua Akhabue then got among the goals in the 66th minute to trim Rangers’ lead to two but the hosts were not done as KenechukwuAgu again restored their two-goal lead in the 79th minute before Douglas Achiv’s scored Lobi Stars final goal in the 81st minute.
Following the defeat, Lobi Stars have sunk deeper into relegation putting their vice-chairman, Tama Aondofa’s job in jeopardy.
Before the match, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the club, Engr. Benson Abounu, had told his vice-chairman to win against Rangers or be sacked.
Going by the result and the marching order from the government, Tama’s days as Lobi Stars vice-chairman may be over.
In other week 19 matches played yesterday, Katsina United forced Abia Warriors to a 2-2 draw in Okigwe, MFM also picked a crucial point in Owerri after holding Heartland to a barren draw while Dakkada outclassed Niger Tornadoes 2-0 in Uyo.
Week 19 matches will be concluded today as table toppers, Rivers United host Akwa United, second placed Plateau United welcomes Sunshine Stars, Enyimba travels to Wikki Tourists, Nasarawa United visit 3SC, Remo Stars entertain Kwara United while Pillars host Gombe United in Katsina.