After four long years away from home, Lobi Stars are finally back where they belong — Makurdi.
The Pride of Benue will officially resume playing their home matches at the McCarthy Stadium on Saturday, February 21, 2026, when they host league leaders Doma United in a Nigeria National League (NNL) 2025/2026 Matchday 9 fixture.
For players, officials and supporters alike, the moment represents far more than a change of venue. It marks the end of a prolonged period of displacement that forced the club to adopt temporary grounds outside Benue State, denying fans the opportunity to watch their team on home soil and stripping the squad of the psychological edge that comes with playing before their own supporters.
Now, that chapter closes.
Saturday’s encounter is expected to draw a passionate turnout as supporters once again rally behind their team without the burden of long-distance travel. For years, loyal fans endured the inconvenience of following the club on the road, while players battled without the roar and reassurance of familiar voices in the stands. That reality changes this weekend.
Club faithful say the significance of the return cannot be overstated. Home support is often described as football’s “12th man” — the intangible force that lifts teams in difficult moments and unsettles visiting opponents. Lobi Stars will once again enjoy that advantage.
The approval to host matches at the McCarthy Stadium follows the meeting of minimum regulatory requirements, clearing the path for the club’s long-awaited homecoming. While discussions about facilities have trailed the club’s journey in recent years, the central focus now is football — competitive action in front of home fans who have waited patiently for this day.
Stakeholders within the Benue football community have expressed appreciation to Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for providing the necessary support and resources to facilitate the return. Commendation has also gone to Simon Terver Ikya for what insiders describe as tireless efforts to overcome administrative and logistical hurdles that delayed the club’s homecoming.
Attention now shifts to the pitch.
Facing table-topping Doma United presents an immediate test of resolve for Lobi Stars, but it also offers the perfect stage to signal a resurgence. With the backing of their supporters and the renewed confidence that comes from playing at home, the Makurdi side will be eager to mark their return with a statement performance.
For the fans, the message is simple: no more adopted homes, no more distant journeys. The Pride of Benue are back — and the stands of McCarthy Stadium are set to come alive once again.
