By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Permanent Secretary/Chairman of Lobi Stars football club, Makurdi, Benue State, Dr. Philip Nongo has unveiled the club’s new Technical Adviser (TA).
He is Coach Bala Abubakar.
Unveiling the TA Monday, August 11, during a press briefing, the Chairman described him as competent, expressing optimism in his capacity to move the the club away from relegation.
The Permanent Secretary, who is also the state’s Acting Commissioner for Sports and Creativity, told Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), that government was doing everything possible to address the challenges responsible for the club’s relegation, expressing confidence that as the challenges were being addressed, the TA would have a smooth performance.
Dr. Nongo disclosed that government was also rebuilding and restructuring the club in such a way that it would regain its lost glory even as he told SWAN that they had learnt from past mistakes and would definitely improve.
He lamented that the club inherited a lot of challenges, assuring that the challenges, which ranged from poor allowances/salaries of officials and players, three months’ salary arrears as well as deliberate sabotage from within, had harmed the club.
However, Dr Nongo insisted that nothing would make them derail this time around as they are focused in managing the club.
Appreciating the State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, for what he described as his firm support for the club, Dr. Nongo also explained that retouching works on Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi, would soon be finished.
However, ahead of final completion of the works, he added, arrangements were being made for the club’s home matches next season to be played at the Akume Atongo Stadium, Katsina Ala, also in the State.
In his remarks, Coach Abubakar assured that the task before him was achievable even as he said that he was on a familiar terrain.
PHOTO CAPTION: Abubakar.
