Mohammed Babaganaru has rejoined the Nigerian Prime Minister’s Football League (NPFL) club, with Lobi serving as interim head coach, reprising his role before the 2022-2023 season.
With his extensive experience, Babaganaru will take Benue’s pride in the rest of the NPFL campaign.
Babaganaru’s appointment comes after former Super Hawks forward Daniel Amokachi, who resigned two weeks ago. Under Amokachi, the team faces challenges and is currently at the bottom of the league table.
To strengthen the coaching team, John Gaadi was appointed coach for the goalkeeper.
Lobi Stars will hope to build momentum as it faces a Niger tornado in a highly anticipated central derby in Bauchi on Wednesday.
In other news, Heartland FC proudly celebrated their victory in the 2025 IMO State Federation Cup, where they beat non-league team Oisa FC 2-0 in the final of Owerri’s Dan Anyiam Stadium. The Naz Millionaire expressed optimism that this victory would mark the beginning of a positive season.
“We are the 2025 IMO FA champions. We have taken back what seems to be our birthright and we will pick it up from here.” The club said on X that it praised the players and their technicians for their efforts led by Emmanuel Amuneke.
Heartland and Oisa FC will represent the state in the National Playoffs of the Presidential Federal Cup.
Meanwhile, the Niger Tornado announced the Rafia City Stadium as home for the rest of the season, providing a new base after the NPFL banned its original field, Bako Kontagora Stadium. Their alternative foundation, the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, also did not receive approval from the league body.
The Tornado will face Enyimba in the first game this weekend in Rafia, while also having a serious clash with Lobi Stars in Wednesday’s 27 encounter.
Additionally, Akwa United forward Chijioke Alakwe will miss about four weeks of action due to a shoulder injury against Godswill Akpabio United in the state FA Cup semi-finals.
The former Sheikh Jamal player has made a significant contribution to the team, scoring five goals this season. Akwa United will hope to rebound when facing Kano Pillars in 26 NPFL encounters on Wednesday, currently ranks 19th on the table and has 24 points in 25 games.
