Lobi Stars, a Nigerian football club, has suspended its technical adviser, Abubakar Bala, due to the team’s poor performance in the ongoing 2025/26 season. The decision was announced by the Makurdi-based club, citing the need for a change in leadership to improve their current standing.
The team has had a disappointing start to the season, garnering only seven points from six games, which has left them in sixth position on the Nigeria National League (NNL) Conference C table. As a result, Bala has been directed to hand over his responsibilities to chief coach John Onuh with immediate effect.
The suspension of Bala is seen as a measure to address the team’s struggling form, which has raised concerns among fans and stakeholders. Lobi Stars, also known as the Pride of Benue, have a reputation for being a competitive team in Nigerian football. However, their current performance has fallen short of expectations, prompting the management to take decisive action.
The change in leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team’s strategy and tactics, with the aim of improving their standings in the league. Coach Onuh will be tasked with turning around the team’s fortunes and guiding them towards a better position on the table.
The development is a significant one for Nigerian football, as it highlights the pressures and challenges faced by teams in the country’s domestic league. The NNL is a vital platform for teams to develop and compete, and the performance of teams like Lobi Stars is closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
As the season progresses, attention will be focused on how Lobi Stars respond to the change in leadership and whether they can reverse their fortunes. The team’s management will be hoping that the suspension of Bala and the appointment of Onuh will mark a turning point in their season, and that they can begin to climb up the table and achieve their goals.
