Lobi Stars pip Rangers 1-0 to win Nigerian Super Cup

A Samad Kadiri goal just before halftime was enough for Lobi to take the 2018/2019 Nigerian Super Cup.

The nominated champions of the 2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Lobi Stars pipped Aiteo Cup holders 1-0 in the Nigerian Super Cup game played at the Stephen Keshi on Tuesday, November 20.

A Samad Kadiri goal just before halftime was enough for Lobi to take the cup ending a very busy evening at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

 

It started with a game between a selected side of ex-Nigeria internationals and another selected All-Star team before the goalless friendly game between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Uganda.

The stadium was less filled when the NPFL clubs stepped out but the boys were ready for it.

It was Rangers new signing Pascal Seka who almost got the first goal of the game in the 15th minute but his half-volley came off the post.

Rangers looked more dangerous at this time with the likes of Michael Uchebo, Cletus Itodo and Kadiri causing troubles for Lobi Stars.

 

It was heading for a goalless first half before Rangers captain Okey Odita made an error in trying to head the back to his goalkeeper John Lawrence but Kadiri pounced to score.

Rangers had to fight back from a 0-3 deficit a couple of weeks ago top beat Kano Pillars in the Aiteo Cup final, but at the same stadium they couldn’t pull off such feat as they battled to no avail to level the score.

All hope was gone when midfielder Solomon Okpako was sent off in the 81st minute for a second bookable offence late.

2018/2019 NPFL season draw

 

The Super Cup between the league and cup champions is always the traditional season-opener but for this time, no one has an idea when the 2018/2019 league season will start.

A draw was held for the 2018/2019 NPFL season but just with 20 teams without the promoted teams.

"We have 20 teams right now and we'll wait for the teams from NNL,” COO of the League Management Company (LMC) Salihu Abubakar said.