Former Lobi Stars striker Ossy Martins has made disturbing revelations about his time with the club, citing unpaid salaries, threats, and a cultist attack that forced him to flee Makurdi.
The 24-year-old forward, who scored 8 goals in 23 matches in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, opened up on his ordeal via social media and in an exclusive interview with Athletic NG.
“Seriously, the little I know is that he (the chairman) is angry I didn’t travel for the FA Cup game, but I wasn’t feeling fine,” Martins said.
“My contract is until the end of the season, and the season is over. I don’t understand. And these people have not paid me salary since I left Makurdi. By the end of this month, it’ll be four months.”
Martins celebrating one of his goals for Lobi Stars in the 2024/2025 season. Photo Credit: X
Martins said his troubles escalated in March after he and some of the players were attacked by suspected cultists in Makurdi.
“The cult boys came on the 30th of March. After the attack, I left Makurdi the very next day. I’ve been texting and calling the club chairman since then, but he hasn’t replied or called back. And since then, I haven’t received any pay.”
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Martins previously played for ABS FC, Enugu Rangers, Remo Stars Kwara United, Rivers United and FC Ifeanyi Ubah.
In a chilling revelation, Martins claimed that club officials made derogatory remarks during the incident.
“When they were harassing us in the bus, one of the officials said, ‘He’s even from Port Harcourt.’ Another responded, ‘All these Port Harcourt boys are cultists.’ Not that they saw me with any group.”
Ossy Martins joined Lobi stars from Remo stars and has played in 159 NPFL matches and scored 38 goals and 8 assists. He has 18 goals in 50 appearances for the Pride of Benue across 2 stints.
Ossy Martins during his unveiling at Remo Stars. Photo Credit: Remo Stars
The forward’s fears intensified as Lobi Stars have requested his presence in Makurdi, Benue State to get his clearance.
Martins posted a message on his social media, writing:
“Greetings everyone, please I want to make a notice that should be taken seriously. Lobi Stars want me to come to Makurdi to take my clearance after everything that happened in Makurdi. Please, if anything should happen to me in Makurdi, hold Dr. Philip Nongu, the chairman of Lobi Stars, responsible. Thanks 🙏”
Lobi Stars were relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL) at the end of the 2024/25 NPFL season.
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As of the time of this report, the club chairman, Dr. Philip Nongu, has not issued a public response to the allegations.
