Joe Apu
Nigeria’s only surviving club in the CAF Champing League, Lobi Stars will today battle to remain a contender for the next round as they face face a daunting task when they take on Mamelodi Sundowns tonight away in South Africa.
The Nigerians won the first leg 2-1 thanks to goals from Yaya Kone and Mathias, however, the return leg is a crucial one as they must avoid defeat to stand a chance of qualifying.
The is the second time both sides will be meeting and victory for the South Africans would mean that Lobi Stars are one leg out of the championship.
However, midfielder David Tyavkase says winning yet another CAF Champions League title with Lobi Stars would be a far greater satisfaction than his glorious days with Enyimba.
The 34-year-old, a veteran on the Nigerian domestic scene, was also an important member of the Enyimba squad that won successive CAF Champions League titles in 2003 and 2004 as well as the CAF Super Cup in 2004 and 2005.
At the twilight of his career, Tyavkase has yet to show signs of a spent force, and he is an integral part of Lobi Stars, back in the group stage for the first time since 2000.
His experience and trophy-laden days with Enyimba which saw him annex four league titles (2003, 2005, 2007, 2010) and two FA Cup trophies (2005, 2009) has been the tool driving his quest for continental glory with the Makurdi-based club.
“Winning titles was a routine when I was at Enyimba but winning the league last year with Lobi Stars and qualification to play in the CAF Champions League, really made me very happy. It was the first time I was getting something with a team from my hometown and it was my fifth league title. Winning with Lobi Stars was special; it offered me fresh opportunities because I want to keep on playing football as long as I can.”