The Chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club, Mr. Simon Terver Ikya, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, played host to the newly appointed Honourable Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity, Rt. Hon. Nick Eworo, who paid a familiarisation visit to the club at McCarthy Stadium during a training session.
The Principal Media Officer of Lobi Stars, Austin Tyowua, who anchored the event, said during his introduction that Rt. Hon. Nick Eworo is the first commissioner for Sports in the state to give priority attention to Lobi Stars, as familiarisation with the club was his first port of call. Ikya congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment and described him as a tested administrator, a committed public servant, and a true lover of football. He said Eworo’s wealth of experience would be instrumental in driving the growth and development of Lobi Stars, pledging the club’s full support to the new commissioner.
He also applauded the Benue State Governor, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for what he called a “right and timely” appointment, noting that it would impact not just football, but sports development across the state. “You are a proven administrator with outstanding achievements in every office you have held. As an innovative and forward-thinking leader, we believe your experience will bring a new lease of life to Lobi Stars and to sports in Benue,” Ikya said.
Earlier, the Chairman conducted the Commissioner and members of the Lobi Stars management on an inspection tour of McCarthy Stadium. They visited the dressing rooms and other key facilities to enable the Commissioner assess them first-hand before he met with the club’s management, staff, and players. In his response, Rt. Hon. Eworo commended Ikya and his team for their dedication to moving Lobi Stars forward.
He praised the players for committing to the club and reminded them that football is more than a game, it unites people, drives development, and holds real economic value. The Commissioner urged the players to remain disciplined and focused in order to help the club secure promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League at the end of the 2026/2027 NNL season. He also promised to monitor the team closely.
“I assure you that you are on the right career path. With discipline and hard work, you will succeed. Benue has always produced great footballers. Make us proud by winning the promotion ticket. You can count on me for support. This visit has given me a clearer picture of what needs to be done to improve the club and the stadium,” Eworo said. In a gesture of encouragement, the Commissioner made two cash donations: one for the players’ refreshments and another to a young player who scored an impressive goal during training.
Speaking on behalf of the players, captain Solomon Kwambe appreciated the Commissioner for the visit and show of solidarity, noting that it came barely 24 hours after his swearing-in. Kwambe described the visit as timely and pledged that the team would not fail to deliver on the promotion target this season.
