Iorfa steps down as Lobi Stars host Akwa United

• Enyimba, Remo Stars win, Insurance, Rivers draw

Former Super Eagles star, Dominic Iorfa, at the weekend stepped down as the helmsman of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi. In a statement by the Technical Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Solomon Iorpev, in Makurdi, Dr Philip Nongu is now the new chairman of the club.

Though Iorfa was designated as the vice chairman of Lobi Stars, while Benue State Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, was the ceremonial chairman.

Iorfa, who played for the defunct BCC Lions of Gboko and Abiola Babes of Abeoluta in an illustrious career, handed over to the newly constituted board of the club in a brief ceremony in Makurdi following a directive by the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.

Governor Alia also directed that Lobi Stars, which had enjoyed autonomous status, be brought under the Benue Sports Council. Other members of the newly constituted board are Chief Solomon Andiir, Harry Yachi, Francis Ejiga, Sir James Iorpuu and Dr Iorngulum Malu, who is the secretary. Lobi Stars will host Akwa United in their opening game of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League.

The league’s week one games were played across the country with former champions, Enyimba of Aba, thrashing Heartland of Owerri, led by former international, Emmanuel Amunike, 3-1 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

In other games, Kano Pillars beat newcomers, Ikorodu City, 3-0, Niger Tornadoes defeated Kwara United away from home in Ilorin 2-1, Sunshine Stars beat Bayelsa United 3-0, while Remo Stars of Ikenne got a 0-2 victory over Abia Warriors in Umuahia.

Bendel Insurance drew goalless with Rivers United in Benin, while Nasarawa United and Shooting Stars of Ibadan played out a 1-1