Lobi Stars appoint Daniel Amokachi as new head coach
Lobi Stars Football Club have announced the appointment of former Super Eagles legend Daniel “The Bull” Amokachi as their new head coach, following the dismissal of Eugene Abagbe.
Abagbe was sacked after failing to meet the board’s target of securing five wins in the opening matches of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. Under his management, Lobi Stars won just one match, drew one, and lost three, leaving the club in a precarious 17th place on the NPFL table.
In an official statement, the Makurdi-based club declared, “The Board has appointed former Super Eagles coach Daniel Amokachi as the new Technical Adviser. His appointment takes immediate effect as we aim to revitalize our strategy and improve performance on the pitch.” Amokachi, who was spotted in the stands during Lobi Stars’ 1-0 victory over Shooting Stars last weekend at the Lafia City Stadium, has now been tasked with turning the club’s fortunes around.
Amokachi’s arrival comes at a critical time, as Lobi Stars are struggling to find form early in the season. The club hopes that the former Super Eagles striker, who was part of Nigeria’s victorious 1994 Africa Cup of Nations squad and played in two FIFA World Cups (1994 and 1998), can inject new life into the team. He joins former Super Eagles teammates Finidi George and Emmanuel Amuneke as NPFL head coaches, both of whom were recently linked with the Super Eagles coaching role.
Known for his powerful playing style, Amokachi, nicknamed ‘The Bull,’ brings extensive coaching experience to Lobi Stars. His managerial career includes previous stints with Nasarawa United, Enyimba, and the now-defunct FC Ifeanyi Ubah in the NPFL. He has also served in various capacities with Nigeria’s national teams, including the U23 and senior squads.
Lobi Stars’ management confirmed that all backroom staff had been relieved of their duties as part of the restructuring process, with those interested in reapplying being asked to return all club property in their possession.
Lobi Stars are hoping that Amokachi’s leadership can salvage their season after a difficult start. The 51-year-old coach’s immediate challenge will be to steer the team away from the relegation zone and guide them back to winning ways as they seek to climb the NPFL standings.
Amokachi’s appointment adds to the growing list of former Nigerian football stars now taking up key coaching roles in the NPFL, further strengthening the league’s profile and competitiveness. Fans will be eager to see how “The Bull” can bring his vast experience to bear in revitalizing Lobi Stars’ campaign for the 2024/2025 season.
