Relegation-threatened Lobi Stars have accused their players of match-fixing in the ongoing 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The club also dismissed reports of a cultist attack on its players, calling it a staged event designed to divert attention from allegations of foul play.
In response to viral social media reports and videos claiming that cultists attacked Lobi Stars players during training, the club’s Director of Media rejected the allegations.
“No cultist attack occurred on any Lobi Stars player during training,” the statement read. “Instead, some players orchestrated the so-called attack to gain public sympathy and distract from the real issue—match-fixing allegations.”
Match-Fixing Allegations Spark Internal Investigation
Lobi Stars management raised concerns about their recent match against Abia Warriors, alleging evidence of foul play. In response, the club scheduled an emergency meeting for March 31, 2025, to investigate possible match-fixing.
“Video evidence suggests that the match was compromised, however, players, sensing the investigation could expose them, staged the cultist attack to shift focus and avoid sanctions” the club stated.
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Lobi Stars further claimed that enemies within the club, working with external forces, staged the attack to undermine the leadership of Chairman Dr. Philip Nongu and discredit the administration of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia.
“The viral video of the so-called attack appears staged. It raises serious questions about who spread the story so quickly on social media.
Certain individuals within the club have opposed the current leadership and seem determined to see the team relegated,” the club said.
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Lobi Stars have yet to win a match in the second half of the NPFL season, adding to their troubles.
