NPFL: Everton’s FA Cup-winning star appointed head coach of Nigeria’s Lobi Stars

Lobi Stars have appointed former Super Eagles assistant coach Daniel Amokachi as their new head coach, replacing Eugene Agagbe, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Markurdi-based club, currently struggling in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), announced the decision following Agagbe’s failure to meet expectations in the 2024-2025 season.

Agagbe’s dismissal comes after a poor run of form, with Lobi Stars securing just one win and sitting 17th in the table.

A statement from the club’s media head, Emmanuel Uja, explained the move:

“This decision follows the Board’s review of Agagbe’s failure to meet a five-match win target, managing only one victory while losing three.”

The board has now placed its hopes in Amokachi, a Nigerian football icon and a member of the celebrated 1994 Super Eagles squad.

The statement continued, “In a bold move, the Board has appointed former Super Eagles coach, Daniel Amokachi, as the new Technical Adviser of the club.”

Amokachi, who last managed in the NPFL with FC Ifeanyi Ubah nine years ago, brings vast experience to Lobi Stars, having played for Everton, Club Brugge, and Beşiktaş.

The 51-year-old won the FA Cup and the FA Charity Shield with Everton in 1995 and lifted the Turkish Cup and Turkish Super Cup with Beşiktaş in 1998.

Amokachi’s managerial résumé includes stints with Nigeria’s national team, Europe, and the NPFL.

His arrival sparks a reunion of 1994 Super Eagles teammates now coaching in the NPFL, joining Finidi George (Rivers United) and Emmanuel Amunike (Heartland).

Lobi Stars hope that Amokachi’s leadership will turn their fortunes around as they aim to climb up the NPFL standings.