Naija Super 8: Yobe Desert Stars stun Gombe United as Lobi Stars oust City FC

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Yobe Desert Stars caused the major upset after edging Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) outfit, Gombe United 2-1 to pick North East ticket at the Zonal Playoffs of the Naija Super 8 in Eket.

Tony Elaigwu’s 39th-minute volley gave Desert Stars the lead before the NNL side doubled its lead before the end of the first period.

However, Samuel Ogunjimi pulled a goal back for Gombe in the 52nd minute but it turned worse in the 81st minute.

To worsen situation, Gombe United were reduced to ten players after Sadiq Shuaibu got his marching order.

Meanwhile, Lobi Stars edged out City FC on penalties to book a place in the Naija Super 8 finals in Lagos, following a 2-2 draw after the regulation at Eket Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State.

The Makurdi-based side dwelled on their vast experience to edge out an ambitious lower-division side City FC,  who started the regional derby with intent but failed to utilize their opportunities in the early proceedings before David Okoromi put the NPFL giant ahead in the 30th minute via a header.

Seven minutes after, Joseph Atule found himself in a decent position but spurned the opportunity to double his side’s lead going into the break.

Ibrahim Mafus restored parity for City in the 52nd minute via a powerful strike that beat Lobi’s goalie, Aliko Mustapha to change the scoreline to 1-1.

Lobi Stars stepped up the pressure but it was the NNL side that took the lead in the 76th minute after Arinze Ogbonna changed the scoreline to 2-1 with his strike.

The introduction of former CAF Champions League winner, David Tyavkyase was a watershed as more supplies of passes upfront paved the way for the man who has been at the centre of transfer by different media outlets linking him away from Lobi Stars to rise to the occasion in the 85th minute.

Joseph Atule’s clinical prowess brought Lobi Stars back into the game to level the scoreline  2-2  which forced the tie to end on penalties after a draw in the regulations time.

The Makurdi-based side edged out the City boys 3-4 in a shootout to qualify for the main tournament slated to take place next month in Lagos State.