NPFL 2022/2023
Lobi Stars gaffer, Mohammed Babaganaru believes the Pride of Benue have what it takes to hurt Group B of the abridged Nigeria Professional Football League leaders, Abia Warriors when both teams clash in Umuahia on Sunday in a Matchday Three fixture.
Attention is now on the big match at Abia Warriors following Babaganaru’s first win over Rangers this term, in Jos, their adopted home ground.
Interestingly, both sides have collected maximum points from Enugu Rangers, this term as Abia Warriors won away at Awka.
“Confidence is high and we have shown character. It is good to start well to avoid anxiety”, Babaganaru said after the win over Rangers.
The return of suspended central defender, Sunday Chinedu, is good news to Ganaru as he can now deploy imposing Orji Kalu in defensive midfield.
Sunday brings a lot of dynamism to the defense line with his awareness and physical presence.
Lobi must be careful at the rear as the hosts have pacy forwards and wingers with near perfect crosses.
The presence of Umar Abba, Nanen Imenger and Joseph Atule, also boosts the squad’s quest for points at Umuahia.
New sensations, Kumaga Suur and Shimagande Terdoo, will be the surprise packages on match day.
Suur and Terdoo should match Abia Warriors’ youngsters.
However, there is excitement in Umuahia as
Erasmus Onuh’s side is in cruise control with maximum points from two matches.
Everything is working well for the hosts from experienced Femi Thomas in goal to the youthful Henry Udezuka and Kalu Nweke, in attack.
No doubt, the Warriors deserve respect for scoring five goals in two matches.
The 3-1 victory over Bayelsa United shows how well organised they are in attack.
The Warriors won both fixtures last season, a feat the visitors will want to prevent, this season.
Moreover, Godwin Obaje and Paul Samson who played vital roles in both fixtures have left the Umuahia side for greener pastures.
Nevertheless, Lobi Stars must be alert considering the form of the Warriors, this term.
Udezuka and Nweke have shown understanding and can cause damage to any team.
Match day promises to be eventful as Ganaru and Onuh marshal their squads for another explosive Sunday in the Abia State capital.
