By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Lobi Stars Football Club has appointed Coach Bala Nikyu as its new Head Coach, with a clear mandate to return the Pride of Benue to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.
The unveiling took place on Tuesday, at the McCarthy Stadium, Makurdi, in the presence of the club’s management, technical crew, players, staff, and members of the media.
Chairman of Lobi Stars, Terver Ikya, described the occasion as more than a mere unveiling, calling it a defining moment that signals a renewed direction and collective commitment towards achieving the club’s ambitions.
Ikya while presenting Coach Nikyu during the ceremony highlighted his wealth of experience and deep understanding of Nigerian football, and urged players and staff to give the new gaffer maximum support.
The Lobi Stars FC boss also revealed that 17 players have been retained, with more additions expected to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.
He charged everyone connected with the club to rise to the occasion, stressing that promotion back to the NPFL remains the target.
Ikya equally expressed appreciation to Governor Hyacinth Alia for the the support assuring that Lobi Stars under his leadership would continue to justify the confidence of the government and people of the state.
Coach Bala Nikyu, a CAF A Licence holder with over a decade of technical experience, was last in charge at Nasarawa United, where he guided the Solid Miners back to the NPFL in the 2023/2024 season.
Speaking after his unveiling, Nikyu expressed full commitment to the assignment, promising to build a positive legacy in Benue while working towards returning Lobi Stars to the top flight.
He stated that his focus would be on hard work, discipline and on-field results, adding that
his football strategies would be evident through performance.
The club’s Secretary, Terzungwe Chugh, in his closing remarks appreciated the coaching crew and backroom staff, and urged the new technical team to work together to ensure the Pride of Benue regains its place among Nigeria’s football elite.
The highlight of the ceremony was the official unveiling and contract signing between Coach Nikyu and Lobi Stars, conducted by Chairman Ikya, followed by the introduction of the new coach to the players, management, and staff.
