Lobi Stars on Saturday defeated Rivers United 2-1 in their opening match of the Naija Super 8 tournament at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
Rivers United took the lead in the 32nd minute, but Lobi Stars equalized in the 72nd minute with a beautiful strike from David Okoromi.
The game stayed tied until the center referee added seven minutes of extra time, which was enough for Charles Chibuike to score the winning goal in the 98th minute.
Sochima Victor made a spectacular save in the first half to deny Lobi Stars an equalizer.
The match was hard-fought, with both teams looking for the all-important goal. In the end, Lobi Stars emerged victorious over their fierce rivals with a 98th-minute strike.
In the earlier game, Akwa United started off on the right foot by defeating Yobe Desert Stars 2-1.
After 34 minutes, Chikwuebuka Anthony scored Akwa United’s first goal with a strong header from James Ajako’s corner delivery.
The goal rendered Yobe Desert Stars keeper Isa Ismail useless as the Akwa Ibom state wild card entrants took the lead.
Anthony’s first goal for Akwa United since joining from Rangers of Enugu was scored on this occasion.
Three minutes before halftime, Cyril Olisema scored the second goal for Akwa United with a beautiful finish from outside the box after the first goal inspired them to push for more.
After 50 minutes, Salomon Chigoziem outpaced two defenders and got into the box, but he was taken down and the referee awarded a penalty, which Cyril Olisema failed to convert.
On the 55th minute, Yobe Desert Stars tried a comeback when Emmanuel James struck a low free kick into goalie Jean Afala’s lower right corner, cutting the lead to one.
Despite being given four extra minutes, Akwa United managed to hold on and begin the tournament with a victory.
