Part 3: Lobi Stars’ Relegation Tied to Failed Aper Aku Stadium Project — NFF Board Member Confirms BSN Sports Investigation

Part 3: Lobi Stars’ Relegation Tied to Failed Aper Aku Stadium Project — NFF Board Member Confirms BSN Sports Investigation 

By Niyi Busari

A Board Member of Nigeria Football Federation and former Benue State Football Association chairwoman, Margret Icheen, has publicly confirmed that Lobi Stars’ inability to play at their traditional home ground, the Aper Aku Stadium, was a key factor in the club’s relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) this season, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

This is contained in an AIT interview monitored by BSN Sports, she said, "the most contributor of this failure is the issue of the stadium. Lobi Stars inability to play at Aper Aku Stadium contribute mostly to the relegation of the Pride of Benue because home games bring glory. Following supports the home team have by fans cheering the players and that gingers them a lot. But unfortunately, this is the most important aspect that brought us to this situation of Lobi Stars going down to relegation.

Her admission reinforces BSN Sports’ investigative report, which revealed that the failure of Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Ltd to complete the renovation of the Aper Aku Stadium as stated in the contract agreement led to the team’s downfall. 

BSN Sports revealed that despite receiving over ₦1.3 billion—approximately 80% of the total ₦1.7 billion project cost—the contractor has yet to deliver on major components of the stadium renovation, seven months after the contract was signed.

Key infrastructure elements such as the turf, tartan track, floodlights, scoreboard, and water sprinkler systems remain unfinished. This is despite the contractor’s earlier commitment, via a formal letter to the state government dated 7th February, 2025, to deliver the renovated facility by March 2025, even though the original contract expiration date was set for December 2024.

Investigations further revealed that the contractor is now demanding the release of the remaining 20% of the project sum from the Benue State Government, to clear imported materials still stuck at Lagos ports. This demand has added to growing concerns about mismanagement and the project’s future.

Meanwhile, in stark contrast, the McCarthy Stadium renovation—which began less than two months ago—is nearing completion and has already hosted Lobi Stars’ training sessions. The team’s head coach, Tony Bulus, and captain, Kwambe Solomon, have both expressed satisfaction with the new facility, offering a glimmer of hope for the beleaguered club.

Throughout the season, Lobi Stars were forced to adopt several temporary “home” grounds, relocating between from Lafia to Bauchi, and now Enugu. The absence of a stable and supportive home base significantly impacted the team’s morale and performance, ultimately culminating in their relegation.

The situation highlights the broader issues of accountability and project mismanagement in public infrastructure contracts, leaving fans and stakeholders demanding answers—and consequences.