Finnish head coach Mika Lonnstrom has lavished extraordinary praise on Nigerian football legend Daniel Amokachi, hailing the former Super Eagles striker as the finest player he has ever encountered in his career. The remarkable commendation came following Lobi Stars’ crucial 1-0 victory over Plateau United in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Speaking at the post-match press conference at the Lafia City Stadium, Lonnstrom, who represented Amokachi in the media briefing, painted a glowing picture of their professional relationship at the Makurdi-based club. “From day one, I’ve been happy here. I have to thank Daniel Amokachi, one of the best players I’ve ever seen and worked with,” the Finnish tactician declared, emphasizing the profound impact of working alongside the Nigerian football icon.
The victory marked a significant turning point for Lobi Stars, who have been battling near the bottom of the NPFL table. The win propelled them to 15th position with 19 points after 17 matches, offering a glimmer of hope in their fight against relegation. Meanwhile, their opponents, Plateau United, slipped to 16th place with 18 points.
Lonnstrom’s admiration for Amokachi, who serves as the club’s Technical Adviser, extends beyond mere historical achievements. “He’s a real professional and a legend. Every day when we train, it feels like working at a top club anywhere in the world,” he explained, highlighting how Amokachi’s presence has elevated the club’s professional standards to international levels.
The Finnish coach’s testimonial carries particular weight given Amokachi’s storied career. Known as “Da Bull” during his playing days, Amokachi represented Nigeria in two World Cups and was part of the historic Dream Team that won Africa’s first Olympic football gold medal in 1996. His club career included successful stints at Club Brugge, Everton, and Besiktas.
Despite their challenging position in the league, Lonnstrom expressed optimism about the team’s trajectory under Amokachi’s guidance. He praised the players’ dedication and commitment, noting their consistent improvement despite not always securing the desired results. The coach specifically highlighted the team’s defensive solidity, which has been crucial in their point-gathering matches.
The partnership between Lonnstrom and Amokachi appears to be fostering a positive environment for player development at Lobi Stars. “Our players are developing all the time. We have young talents who play with heart and pride for the Lobi Stars badge,” Lonnstrom noted, emphasizing how this aligns with the club’s long-term vision for growth and success.
The management’s support has not gone unnoticed, with Lonnstrom expressing gratitude to the board and chairman Philip Nongu for their continued backing during challenging times. This institutional support, combined with Amokachi’s expertise and Lonnstrom’s tactical acumen, suggests a promising future for the club.
The recent focus on set-pieces in training, while not yet yielding the desired goal-scoring results, demonstrates the methodical approach being implemented by the coaching staff. This attention to detail, coupled with the players’ growing adaptability to the tactical system, indicates a well-structured development plan at the club.
As Lobi Stars continues their campaign to climb the NPFL table, the partnership between Lonnstrom and Amokachi represents a unique blend of international football knowledge and local expertise. The Finnish coach’s glowing assessment of Amokachi not only honors the Nigerian legend’s legacy but also highlights the potential for cross-cultural collaboration in African football development.
With the season still having plenty of matches ahead, the combination of Amokachi’s legendary status, Lonnstrom’s tactical approach, and the players’ commitment could prove crucial in Lobi Stars’ bid to secure their NPFL status and potentially aim for higher achievements in Nigerian football.
