Rumour Mill: Lobi Stars set to announce Abubakar Bala as new head coach

By Wale Mustapha

If information coming from Makurdi, Benue State capital is anything to go by, Lobi Stars will appoint coach Abubakar Bala as their new technical adviser for the Nigeria Premier Football League, (NPFL) season.

Bala will be replacing Mohammed Baba Ganaru whose contract was not renewed after the end of 2022/2023 NPFL season.

The Niger State born football tactician tinkered his state club, Niger Tornadoes for three seasons where he led them back to top flight division.

Vice Chairman of the Pride of Benue, Dominic Iorfa, is said to have concluded plans to appoint Bala as the team’s technical adviser.

Abubakar’s track record in the domestic league endeared him to Lobi Stars management.

Coach Bala started his coaching career with FC Lokoja in 2010 where he qualified to the national league from amateur division.

He has also coached Kwara United at some point in his coaching career and has led Niger Tornadoes to two Federation Cup final where they ended as runners up.

His appointment is expected to be announced on July 1 ahead of the team’s trip to Lagos for the Naija Super Eight tournament, with the pre -season tournament billed for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Lagos.

Lobi Stars qualified for the tournament after defeating rivals City FC on penalties at the Eket Township Stadium on Friday.