Lobi Stars endured a tough afternoon in Lagos as they were handed a 4-2 defeat by Ikorodu City in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), marking Daniel Amokachi’s first loss since taking over as head coach.
Amokachi, who was recently appointed to revive the fortunes of the struggling Lobi Stars, faced high expectations going into the match. However, the team fell short against an in-form Ikorodu City, who dominated the game from the outset.
Ikorodu City took control early, racing to a 2-0 lead within the first 19 minutes, thanks to goals from Salau Yusuf and Emmanuel Solomon. Despite a spirited fightback from Lobi Stars, with two late goals from Ifeanyi Assurance, the Oga Boys extended their lead through strikes from Ayemwenre and Alade, securing the win.
Reacting to the loss, Amokachi acknowledged the challenges his team faces but stressed that the rebuilding process is still in its early stages.
“It’s a work in progress,” Amokachi said. “I’ve only been with the team for two weeks, and we’ve had three straight games in a week. There’s still a lot to improve.”
He also pointed to the importance of blending experienced players with younger talents, emphasizing that striking the right balance will be key to the team’s success.
“You cannot have youthful players throughout your team. We have experience, and with that, we know what we need to do to get results,” he added.
Amokachi highlighted the need for improved movement and tactical discipline, expressing confidence that the team would grow stronger with time.
While the loss is a setback, Lobi Stars will be hoping to regroup and bounce back in their next fixture as they continue their NPFL campaign. Fans remain hopeful that Amokachi’s influence will soon begin to show on the pitch.
