Lobi Stars Football Club Makurdi has announced changes to the club’s technical crew and playing personnel.
The development comes after the players’ contract review and verification committee submitted its report ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
As part of the exercise, eighteen (18) players have been released from the club, namely: Orya Joseph, Daniel Abah, Atavti Samuel, Eyigege Pius, Ifeanyi Ezema, Achiv Douglas, Eru Jackson, Amia Kenneth, Ingbila Henry, Ofem Emmanuel, Itim Paul, Yanmar Moses and Iorliam Eric, Mr Emmanuel Uja, Lobi stats Director for Media and Communications, says in a statement.
According to the statement, 17 players, including Kumaga Suur, Kwambe Solomon, Odinaka Francis, Akile Monday, Iteji Jimmy, Onah Peter, Agugu Benjamin, Foga Dominic, Imenger Barnabas Jnr, Kongbenda Joseph, Uja Manasseh, Sunday James, Atsaka Daniel, Egiga Valentine, Afeez Yusuf, Azeez Tijanni and John Akende, have been retained to form the nucleus of the squad for the new season.
The statement adds that in the coaching crew, Coaches Benjamin Kude and Mathias Asongu have been redeployed from the main team, where they have been serving as Assistant Coaches, to the club’s U-19 feeder side to team up with Coach Stephen Waghbo, who is seconded from the Benue State sports Council, while former Lobi Stars safe hands Jighjigh Ahungwa will serve as goalkeeper Coach as part of efforts to strengthen the developmental structure of the club.
Outside the technical crew, former Club Centre half back Odeh Ogah has been appointed as Assistant Team Manager attached to the U-19 feeder team, it went on.
Mr Uja says management believes the latest adjustments are necessary to build a more competitive and disciplined side capable of meeting the demands and expectations of the upcoming campaign.
The replacement of the two coaches redeployed to the feeder team will be announced before the resumption date, slated for Sunday, June 20, 2026, to commence full-scale preparation in a bid to return the club to the elite league.
