Lobi Stars opened a two points lead at the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after beating strugglers Nasarawa United 2-1 in a highly entertaining derby at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi on Sunday.

The Gbenga Ogunbote’s side benefitted from the goalless draw between MFM FC of Lagos and Plateau United at the Agege township stadium.

Lobi Stars are eager to return back to winning ways at home quickly following their unimpressive draw at home to Dakkada last week and were fortunate not to fall behind early in the game when Anas Yusuf’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Faith James.

A couple of minutes later, Chigozie Obasi gave Lobi Stars the lead after converting a long-range free-kick from the edge of the box.

Both teams created chances but were unable to convert as the 1st half ended with Lobi Stars leading by a goal.

Lobi continued to search for the second and almost got it in the 74th minute when Obasi’s long-range drive was parried out by Nasarawa keeper into the path of Samad Kadiri who failed to find the back of the net from the rebound.

Samad Kadiri, however, makes up for his earlier misses when he scored from a superb cross from Utibe Arit in the 90th minutes and wrapped up the three points for Lobi in front of their fans.

Chinedu Ohanachom scored in the 93rd minute to reduce the deficit for the visitors who continue to struggle to get out of the relegation zone.