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Lobi Stars Football Club has officially unveiled two high-impact players as part of efforts to strengthen the team for the resumption of the Nigeria National League (NNL) season on January 5, following the Christmas break.
The Pride of Benue welcomed defensive midfielder Bello Raji Egigogo from Niger Tornadoes FC on a one-year contract and dynamic winger Johnathan John Abu until the end of the season, both facilitated through ProAxis Sport, a prominent sports management agency.
Egigogo, renowned for his strength, ball-winning prowess, and tactical discipline, is expected to provide steel, experience, and resilience in midfield. Meanwhile, Abu, honed in elite UK academies including Leeds United and Coventry City, brings pace, technical brilliance, and attacking intelligence. Versatile on both wings, the young attacker has voiced his ambition to create scoring opportunities, convert chances, and set up teammates, adding a fresh dimension to Lobi Stars’ forward line.
During the unveiling and contract-signing ceremony in Makurdi, Chairman Simon Terver Ikya emphasized a renewed focus on structure, collaboration, and long-term vision, asserting that the club operates collectively rather than as a one-man show. He addressed the challenges inherited by the new management, which took over just days before the season, and highlighted decisive actions such as suspending former coach Abubakar Bala—whose tenure yielded only seven points in six matches—and appointing Coach John Onuh, who has already begun reshaping the players’ mindset and boosting performance.
Ikya confirmed ongoing preparations to restore the club’s home advantage, with McCarthy Stadium set to be ready for the second stanza. He praised the technical crew, including former captains and experienced figures like Team Manager Finbar Yanmelu, John Onuh (Abacha), Benjamin Kude, Emma Abah, and Benedict Atule, for blending heritage with expertise to reconnect with the club’s winning culture.
On recruitment, the chairman assured that additional signings will fill remaining gaps without discarding current players, with the final batch expected to resume on Monday. He urged the media to partner in fostering a resilient and respected institution, guided by vision over vengeance, and welcomed constructive criticism to help correct lapses and instill renewed spirit.
Both new recruits pledged full commitment, with Egigogo vowing to uphold team rules and build a robust squad, and Abu eager to integrate swiftly and make an immediate impact.
The ceremony culminated in the official unveiling of Bello Raji Egigogo and Johnathan John Abu, signaling a pivotal step in Lobi Stars’ quest to reclaim prominence in Nigerian football.
