Lobi Stars FC on Wednesday defeated Akwa United FC, 2-0, in their last Group B encounter at the ongoing Naija Super 8 Football competition at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
The victory sends Lobi Stars to the top of their group and qualified for the semi-final as group winners with seven points from three matches, while Akwa United finished second with six points.
Lobi Stars started the game knowing that a draw would be enough to qualify, while Akwa United had already booked a semi-final slot with two wins from two matches.
Fifteen minutes into the game, a cross from the right side found its way to Joseph Atule, who was left unmarked in the six yard box.
The winger chested the ball into an open net to give Lobi Stars the lead.
The winger doubled Lobi Stars’ lead eight minutes later after he was put through on goal to slot past the goalkeeper.
Atule’s movement proved difficult to handle for the Akwa United defence and he almost bagged a first half hat-trick when his left-footed shot narrowly missed the top corner.
Gift Elkanah produced a good save to deny Lobi Stars a third goal in the 42nd minute.
In spite of having less of the possession, Lobi Stars continued to fashion the best chances in the match.
Elkenah again denied the Makurdi side in the 55th minute with a fingertip save to parry Okoromi David’s looping shot over the bar.
In his post-match interview, Lobi Stars Coach, Bala Abubakar, said his team would be ready for any opponent in the semi-final.
“Lobi Stars is still a work in progress. We have changed the mentality of the players and our performance in this tournament shows we are on track.
“What Lobi Stars need is to have a style, character, adequate preparation for matches and winning mentality.
“That is why you are seeing a different Lobi Stars in this tournament. We will be ready to face any team that qualifies for the semi-finals,” Abubakar said.
After losing top spot in the group, Akwa United Coach, Fatai Osho, said the objective was to give room for other players to perform.
“We were torn between qualifying as group leaders or achieving our objective of giving players room to showcase what they can do.
“Now everybody in the team has played. The semi-finals will not be a tea party.
“It will be a lot of work and we will do our best,” Osho said
In the other group match, Rivers United beat Yobe Desert Stars 1-0 to take third spot in the group.
Kazie Enyinnaya scored the winning goal in the 25 minute of the match.
Rivers United finished the match with 10 men after one of their players received a red card in the 87th minute.
The other two semi-final slots will be decided on Thursday when Sporting Lagos and Katsina United face each other in the final Group A match, starting at 4:30 p.m.
Katsina United currently sit atop the table on goal difference with four points from two games.
Sporting Lagos are second with four points from two matches.
Remo Stars are third with four points from three matches, while Enyimba was eliminated from the competition after losing two of their three matches.
Naija Super 8 is organised by Flykite Productions in partnership with MultiChoice Nigeria and sponsored by MTN, Hero Lager, DStv, GOtv, SuperSport, Moniepoint, Pepsi and Custodian Assurance.
