Sports

NPFL: Lobi Stars Beat Rangers International 2-1 In Lafia

Published

3 years ago

November 3, 2023

By Joel Ajayi

Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi on Thursday bounced back from a narrow 1-0 defeat to the River United in Port Harcourt, to defeat Rangers International 2-1 in Lafia Township Stadium in the match day 6 of the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL campaign.

It was an explosive encounter between the two NPFL clubs with rich domestic and African football histories.

At 23 minutes, Alao Danbani was left unmarked and he connected home a Solomon Kwambe’s well-taken kick-on to send the fans into wild jubilation to make a 1-0 lead.

Smoking Nwobodo restored parity at the hour mark after he was set up by Isaac Saviour as the bench of the visitors and fans rose to celebrate a quality goal of 1-1.

Shoe get size club pressed on until 83 minutes when substitute, Stanley Ogabor scored what turned out to be the match-winner as he jabbed home a Monday Akile’s inch-perfect cross as the game ended 2-1 in favor of ‘YES FATHER (LOBI) BOYS’ club

Speaking shortly after the game, the head coach of Lobi Stars, Eugene Agagbe thanked God and congratulated his players for making victory happen for the Basket Food of Nation State club, against a quality side like Rangers.

According to him, they gave us a very good match but for the tactics deployed to contain them from the bench, it would have been a different song we are singing now.”

As it is now Lobi Stars of Makurdi club is on the second on the log with 11 points after 3 wins, 2 draws, and one defeat.

Meanwhile, the SHOE GET SIZE club of Benue will on Monday 6th November 2023 in an away match trade tackles with Bayelsa United FC in the match day 7 fixture in Yenegoa Township Stadium.

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Sports

Gang James Makes History Despite Second-Place Finish in Abuja Half Marathon

Published

13 mins ago

November 15, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

Ethiopia’s Gemechu Tolosa Daba on Saturday emerged winner of the men’s elite race at the third edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, finishing ahead of Nigeria’s Gang James, who set a new national record.

Tolosa crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 1:01:56 to claim the top prize of $8,000 in the 21km race, while Nigeria’s James finished second in 1:01:58, setting a new Nigerian national record.

James also emerged as the best Nigerian runner, earning $6,000 for his second-place finish in the international category, alongside ₦1.5 million as the winner of the local runners’ category.

Kenya’s Lampard Kingoo finished third in 1:01:59, while compatriot Enos Kipruto came fourth in 1:02:06. Uganda’s Julius Ochieng completed the top five with a time of 1:02:27.

The race, which attracted more than 5,000 participants, started opposite the Federal Fire Service on Mohammed Buhari Way and ended at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Speaking after the race, James expressed delight at setting a new national record in front of his home crowd, describing the achievement as a reward for his hard work and dedication.

“I am very happy to break the National Record. I worked so hard for this moment, and to do it here in Abuja, in front of my people, makes it even more special,” he said.

He added that competing against some of Africa’s finest long-distance runners inspired him to deliver his best performance.

“Running against Gemechu and the Kenyans pushed me to give my best. I knew I had to stay with them till the end. This record is just the beginning for me,” James said.

The third edition of the competition attracted elite athletes from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, among other countries, with about 50 international elite runners participating.

The event, sponsored by PremiumTrust Bank and organised by Nilayo Sports Management, recorded increased international participation compared with previous editions.

The competition offered prizes ranging from $8,000 to $500 for international participants, while Nigerian athletes received cash rewards ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦2 million.

The successful outing further highlighted Abuja’s growing potential as a destination for international road-running competitions, while providing Nigerian athletes with an opportunity to compete against some of the continent’s best long-distance runners.

The colourful event also featured musical performances by Nigerian artistes, entertaining athletes, guests and spectators before, during and after the presentation of prizes to the winners.

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