Lobi Stars centre back Sunday Chinedu is optimistic his team can bounce back from their loss in Gombe on Sunday and still challenge for the NPFL title.
The shock of Matchday 32 of the Nigeria Premier Football League was Gombe United's 3-2 win over title chasing Lobi Stars at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe.
For context, the Makurdi side, who were on the hunt for points to keep in touch with Rangers, Remo Stars, and Enyimba, were expected to secure a win in Gombe.
This thought wasn't far-fetched as Gombe had been effectively relegated from the NPFL and had points deducted by the administration for fan violence and then a spate of bad results.
Gombe stun Lobi in NPFL action
The Savannah side have not been in good form of late with a line of losses that have seen them effectively relegated and nothing to play for but on Sunday, they had a point to prove.
Lobi, in their last two games, had drawn in their adopted home ground of Lafia with Bendel Insurance and then suffered a 2-0 loss in Ibadan, denting their title hopes.
On Sunday in Gombe, any slim chance they had seems to have evaporated after the loss.
Lobi Stars went ahead through Stephen Eneji in the first minute of the game, but a three-goal flurry saw the home side take the initiative.
Michael Emmanuel's goal in the 23rd minute got them the equalizer, and then Anayo Ogbonna got a brace in the 74th and 82nd minutes to take a 3-1 lead.
Stanley Oganbor then set a grandstand finish with Lobi's second, but the home side was able to hold on for the win.
With that loss, Lobi Stars have now dropped out of the top four, and their chances at the title look slim.
Chinedu wants Lobi to keep focus
Though they are now in fifth place with six games to go, Lobi Stars defender Sunday Chinedu insists his team is not giving up hope of winning the title.
“It wasn't a good result on Sunday against Gombe, and I understand why people think we are out of the race,” he told Afrik-Foot.com.
“Everyone expected us to win, and we did our best to get the three points. We started well with that early goal, but we could not complete the job.
“Football is like that sometimes. We are very disappointed with our performance, but we've put the loss behind us. We are looking forward to our next set of games.
Dicey at the top
With six games left in the NPFL, Rangers lead the table with 57 points, five points ahead of Lobi, who are now in sixth place.
There is also stiff competition from Enyimba in second with 55 points, Remo Stars in third with 53 points with a game to spare and in-form Shooting Stars in fourth place with 52 points.
Though it looks like an impossible task, Chinedu feels Lobi cannot dwell on what is happening outside their control but will have to deal with their own games and ignore the others.
“We cannot worry about others and what they have done or are going to do,” the former Kano Pillars defender said.
“Lobi Stars still have a chance even with six games left. Our aspirations have not changed despite how our last three games have gone.
“Everyone on the team knows what they have to do. We cannot afford to drop any points again. We have to do our best and hope it is good enough.
“This season has been tough not just for Lobi but for everyone. We will keep fighting until the end. We will not give up,” he said.
Chinedu has made 29 appearances this season for Lobi Stars and has scored three goals.
Lobi Stars will face Akwa United in their next game as they seek to get back to winning ways.
