By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
Determined to improve the performance of Lobi Stars, the Chairman of the Club, Dr Philip Nongu, and his board has officially unveiled Finnish tactician, Mika Lönnström, as the new head coach of the Makurdi-based side.
This was contained in a press conference held on Tuesday at the team’s training facility, McCarthy Stadium, Makurdi Benue State.
The Chairman, Dr. Phlip Nongu, who welcomed the new coach, disclosed that “We’re delighted to have Coach Lönnström on board.
Dr. Nongo informed that the expertise and passion of the new coach would elevate the team’s performance.
” We are here at this important event to introduce to the Benue community, the players, as well as sports journalists, the newly appointed head coach, Mr Lönnström who will be working together with the other technical crew members with the needed intent of moving the club out of current position as well as making it more competitive.”
Nongo reiterated his commitment to repositioning the club under his watch, insisting that the current position of the club is just temporary.
He expressed confidence that the club would soon move away from the red zone and charged the players to be disciplined as according to him it would not be business as usual.
The Chairman appreciated the Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia for the opportunity to serve the state in this capacity.
The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency and Government representative of the club board, sir, James Iorpuu, congratulated the Finnish tactician on his appointment and assured him of the needed enabling environment that would help him to succeed by the Benue State government under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
“I congratulate you, Coach Mika Lönnström, for accepting to work with us; you won’t regret it. The Governor’s desire for sports, especially football, remains unwavering, and his desire for Lobi Stars to be at the top competing at the highest level remains key to his administration.”
Commenting the technical adviser of the club, Daniel Amokachi, expressed happiness to have Coach Mika Lönnström under his technical crew, saying the club would experience positive development.
“Mika Lönnström is a man of pedigree; his working ethic will help us a lot. In modern football, you must have young players who would work tirelessly. I have identified good young players in the team, and we shall be working with them pending when the window of the league is open for other decisions.”
Coach Lönnström in his response, expressed excitement to join the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side.
“I’m honoured to be part of Lobi Stars’ rich history and committed to driving the team to success,” Lönnström said”
