Lobi Stars Release 18 Players As Rebuilding Begins For NNL Campaign

Lobi Stars Football Club have embarked on a major restructuring exercise, releasing 18 players and implementing key changes within their technical and developmental departments as preparations gather momentum for the 2026/27 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

The decisions followed the submission of the report by the club’s Players’ Contract Review and Verification Committee and form part of efforts to reposition the Makurdi-based side for an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

According to the club in a statement, the restructuring exercise was approved after a comprehensive review of the just-concluded 2025/26 season, with management determined to build a more competitive team capable of challenging for promotion.

Among the players released by the club are Orya Joseph, Daniel Abah, Atavti Samuel, Eyigege Pius, Achiv Douglas, Eru Jackson, Amia Kenneth, Ingbila Henry, Ofem Emmanuel, Itim Paul, Yanmar Moses and Iorliam Eric.

The club also confirmed the departure of six players whose loan spells have expired. They are Bello Raji Egigogo, Edeh Chukwuebuka, Amara Christian, Ifeanyi Ezema, Jonathan John Abu and Okoh Chukwuma.

Meanwhile, 17 players have been retained to form the core of the squad for the forthcoming campaign. The retained players are 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.

In the technical department, assistant coaches Benjamin Kude and Mathias Asongu have been redeployed from the senior team to the club’s U-19 feeder side as part of efforts to strengthen the developmental structure.

The duo will work alongside Stephen Waghbo, who has been seconded from the Benue State Sports Council, while former Lobi Stars goalkeeper Jighjigh Ahungwa has been appointed goalkeeper coach for the feeder team.

The club also announced the appointment of former Lobi Stars defender Odeh Ogah as Assistant Team Manager of the U-19 side.

Management described the changes as a strategic move aimed at building a disciplined and competitive team capable of meeting the expectations of supporters and stakeholders during the upcoming season.

Lobi Stars further disclosed that replacements for the redeployed assistant coaches will be announced before the team’s resumption date on June 20, 2026.

Full preparations for the new season are expected to commence on June 21 as the club intensifies its quest for a swift return to Nigeria’s top-flight league.

Club officials expressed confidence that the ongoing restructuring process will lay the foundation for a successful campaign and restore the club’s status among the country’s elite teams.