Striker Alimi Siriku’s two goals on Saturday gave Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi a 2-0 win to seal qualification into the group stage of the 2018/2019 CAF Champions League.
In the first round fixture’s second leg match at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, Lobi Stars needed a 2-0 win or more to send the visitors packing from the competition.
Siriku scored in the 72nd and 90th minutes of the match to send spectators and fans into wild jubilation, for a 3-3 win on away goals rule.
The Nigerian side had lost the first leg match about a week ago 1-3 in Nairobi.
It had looked as if the second leg game was going the visitors’ way after a goalless first half, and they had continued to threaten to score against their hosts.
Perhaps, it was the arrival of Lobi Stars’ travelling supporters on resumption of the second half that sparked the players into action.
They took charge of the game and their dominance soon translated into Siriku’s goals.
Speaking after the match, Lobi Stars’ coach Solomon Ogbeide expressed his joy over the victory and praised his players for their fighting spirit.
He also thanked the club’s supporters for being steadfast even when things were not going their way before the break.
“Now, we are going into the next stage of this continental competition. We are going to do more work on the team to ensure the flag of Nigeria and the country keeps flying high,’’he said.
