Drama at Lobi Stars: ‘He Gave Us Money and Later Took It Back’
Lobi Stars Football Club, struggling at the bottom of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), have been rocked by a new controversy 24-hours after their 1-0 loss to El Kanemi Warriors on March 3.
The club, which has only 23 points from 27 matches, found itself at the centre of drama after a financial motivation was offered to the players and staff before the match in Maiduguri. The funds were presented to boost morale as Lobi Stars battle relegation.
According to the club’s official statement on March 4, a member of the club’s board, Mr. Harry Yachi, claimed he had been sent by the Governor of Benue State to provide financial support to encourage the team. The money was handed to the team captain, Solomon Kwambe, on behalf of the players, and to the Team Manager for the staff. The club believed it was a gesture from the state leadership to motivate them during their difficult season.
However, in a surprising and disappointing turn, the same money was retrieved by Mr. Yachi after the match. The club confirmed the funds were taken back, contradicting the original purpose of the financial gift.
Lobi Stars released a statement saying, “It is important to inform the public about this development, and we want to maintain transparency in all our dealings. The financial motivation was initially received, but it was later taken back. As a club committed to integrity, we feel it is right to acknowledge both events.”
The statement continued, “We remain focused on professionalism and the welfare of our players and staff. We appreciate the continued support of our fans and all well-meaning stakeholders as we aim to improve and move forward.”
This latest drama adds to the growing list of challenges facing the club, which now faces the difficult task of avoiding relegation.
