NNL: Lobi Stars Unveil Six New Signings as Preparations for 2026/27 Season Intensify

Lobi Stars have bolstered their squad with six new players as the club steps up preparations for the 2026/27 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

The Makurdi-based club officially unveiled the new arrivals at its headquarters, confirming a recruitment exercise aimed at strengthening the team ahead of the new campaign.

The six players are centre-backs Gambo Bala and Timothy Boniface, central midfielder Chukwudi Esobe, winger Edwin Oladayo, and centre-forwards Amos Victor and Obi Samuel.

Bala joins the Pride of Benue from Sokoto United, while Boniface arrives from Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC, popularly known as ABS FC. Both players are expected to provide additional options in the defensive department as the club continues to build its squad for the season.

In midfield, Lobi Stars have secured the services of Esobe, who joins from Enyimba. His arrival adds another option to the club’s midfield ranks as the team works towards assembling a balanced squad capable of competing throughout the campaign.

The club has also strengthened its attacking options with the signing of Oladayo from GBS Academy. The winger is among the new additions expected to offer the team greater depth in the wide areas as Lobi Stars prepare for their opening fixtures.

Meanwhile, Victor has joined from Zaki Mairiga, while Samuel makes the move from Sokoto United. The two centre-forwards will provide additional choices in the attacking line, giving the coaching staff more options when selecting the team for competitive matches.

The recruitment of players across defence, midfield and attack reflects the club’s effort to reinforce several areas of the squad rather than concentrate on one department. With the new season approaching, the additions are expected to form part of the team’s preparations for the challenges ahead.

Lobi Stars stated that the signings were made to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. The club is also expected to bring in more players before the start of the season, suggesting that its recruitment activities may not yet be complete.

Further additions could provide the team with more depth as it prepares for a demanding league schedule. However, the club has yet to announce the identities of any other potential signings.

The Pride of Benue will begin their campaign against Bichi First FC on Sunday, November 8, with the encounter scheduled to take place at McCarthy Stadium in Makurdi.

The opening fixture will mark the beginning of Lobi Stars’ latest campaign in the Nigeria National League, with the team set to start its quest for a successful season on home ground.

With six new players already unveiled and the possibility of further recruitment before the season begins, attention will now turn to how quickly the newcomers settle into the squad and contribute to the club’s objectives.

For Lobi Stars, the immediate priority will be preparing the team for the opening match against Bichi First FC while continuing to build the depth needed for the 2026/27 NNL campaign.