Football
Solomon Kwambe: Daniel Amokachi's Lobi Stars 'will turn season around' despite slow NPFL start
Nigeria’s Solomon Kwambe expresses confidence in Lobi Stars' potential to overcome a slow NPFL start under the leadership of Daniel Amokachi and new head coach Mika Lonnstrom. Kwambe highlights the team’s resilience, aiming for title contention and urging fans to ‘trust the process
Image Credits: Lobi Media
Nigeria international Solomon Kwambe believes Lobi Stars can transition from relegation contenders to title challengers despite a slow start to the Nigeria Professional Football League season.
The 1999 Nigerian champions have faced a challenging start to the 2024-25 season, despite being labelled as title contenders after their impressive campaign last term.
Lobi are struggling in the relegation zone, with five defeats and three draws in their first 11 matches. However, their recent victory over Abia Warriors has moved them off the bottom of the table.
RESULTS DO NO REFLECT LOBI STARS’ EFFORT
Despite their current predicament, Super Eagles defender and stand-in captain Kwambe, who attributed the team's string of poor results to bad luck, remains optimistic about their chances of recovery."
He told SportsBoom.com: "I can't pinpoint any single reason for our poor form. We had hoped to build on our strong performance from last season, where we narrowly missed out on a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup.
"However, things haven't gone as we anticipated, despite putting in hard work and giving our best on match days.
Image Credits: Lobi Media
"Football can be unpredictable at times, and I believe we've just been unlucky, as the results haven't reflected the effort we've put in.
All we can do is keep working hard until we get back to where we belong. I want to assure you that these poor results are only temporary and do not reflect the true quality of the team.
Solomon Kwambe
NPFL TITLE AMBITIONS STILL STRONG
Daniel Amokachi’s side breathed a sigh of relief after securing a 3-1 victory over Aba Warriors at the Lafia City Stadium, with Christian Ndubuisi Nnaji scoring a hat-trick.
The result moved them up to 19th position in the NPFL standings, though they remain behind on goal difference, despite sharing points with Nasarawa United, Bendel Insurance, and Katsina United.
Kwambe dismissed relegation concerns, insisting that the Alia Boys can surprise many by challenging for the league title despite their precarious position.
Image Credits: Lobi Media
"We are in the relegation zone, but it has never crossed my mind that Lobi Stars would be relegated. One positive aspect of this team is that we are heading in the right direction," he added.
"Our team has a strong mix of youth and experience, and our ambition to challenge for the league title remains unchanged.
We also have a tendency to surprise when we're underestimated. The season is still in its early stages, with many matches ahead, and we are still on track to turn things around and achieve the unthinkable.
Solomon Kwambe
Lobi Stars will look to build on their victory as they head to Ijebu Ode for their next match against Sunshine Stars.
HIRING LONNSTROM WAS THE PERFECT DECISION
Finnish coach Mika Lonnstrom was recently appointed as Lobi Stars' new head coach, joining forces with Amokachi in their quest for redemption.
Before taking on his new role, the 50-year-old, who holds a UEFA A License from the Welsh FA, had managed teams in Thailand, Tanzania, Slovakia, and Finland.
The former Sunshine Stars and FC Tulsa defender has praised Lonnstrom’s arrival in the NPFL and urged fans to 'trust the process'.
Kwambe continued: "This is a positive development that clearly shows the club's ambition. Coach Mika is an experienced leader, and his deep understanding of African football will be invaluable to us.
"In today's game, having young players who are willing to work tirelessly is crucial, and we are fortunate to have that. If I'm not mistaken, we are the only team in the NPFL with an expatriate coach.
"The club management understands what’s at stake, and there will be further changes within the team to ensure stability.
"All I ask from our fans is to continue supporting us and trust the process. We are determined to live up to expectations, and everyone is fully committed."
IN AMOKACHI WE HAVE FAITH
"As for Coach Daniel Amokachi, we have complete confidence that he will deliver," he spoke enthusiastically about the former Everton star.
"His presence in the team is a tremendous source of motivation for us, given his outstanding achievements with the Nigeria national team both as a player and a coach.
"He has an impressive profile, marked by ambition, skill, and vast experience. Additionally, his deep understanding of Nigerian football is invaluable, and we are fully committed to giving him our best."
Originally founded as Hawks of Makurdi in 1981 by the Benue State Sports Council, the club was renamed Benue Breweries Limited in 1985, then Lobi Bank in 1990, before ultimately becoming Lobi Stars FC.
In addition to their 1999 league triumph, they have won the Nigeria Super Cup (1999, 2018) and the Nigeria Federation Cup (2003). Internationally, they have competed in the CAF Champions League twice and the CAF Confederation Cup three times.
Shina Oludare is a notable Nigerian sports journalist and writer recognized for his extensive coverage of African sports. He has made significant contributions to the field through his work with reputable media outlets such as Goal.com and Soccernet. Known for his insightful analysis and comprehensive reporting, Oludare covers a wide range of topics within African football, including domestic leagues, national teams, and emerging talents. His work includes detailed player profiles, match previews and reviews, and transfer news, providing valuable insights into the intricacies of the sport on the continent.