Lobi Stars set NPFL promotion target for Bala Nikyu

Lobi Stars have appointed experienced coach Bala Nikyu to lead the club in the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season as they target a return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The Makurdi-based club, one of Nigeria’s most historic football teams, were relegated from the top flight at the end of the 2024/2025 season. Their hopes of securing an immediate promotion were dashed after finishing second in Conference C of the 2025/2026 NNL campaign.

Announcing Nikyu’s appointment, the club described his arrival as the beginning of “a new chapter” in Lobi Stars’ quest to regain their place among Nigeria’s elite clubs.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Lobi Stars Chairman Simon Terver Ikya described the appointment as a defining moment that signals a renewed sense of purpose and collective commitment towards achieving the club’s ambitions.

Ikya said Nikyu’s wealth of experience and deep understanding of Nigerian football made him the ideal choice to lead the club’s promotion push. He also urged the players, technical crew and other club officials to give the new coach their full support as Lobi Stars strive to return to the NPFL.

In his remarks, Nikyu, a CAF A-licensed coach and former assistant coach of the Super Falcons, pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by the club’s management. He promised to build a lasting legacy while working tirelessly to guide Lobi Stars back to the top flight.

The former Katsina United, Nasarawa United, Gombe United and Doma United coach said his team would be built on hard work, discipline and a winning mentality.

During a brief interaction with journalists after his unveiling, Nikyu said he would allow his team’s performances on the pitch to speak for his football philosophy.

The ceremony concluded with the signing of his contract and his official unveiling by Lobi Stars Chairman Simon Terver Ikya.

UPDATE NEWS:

Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5 million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25 million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder,

click here to find out how it works.