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The Benue State Football Association (BAFA) has said it is not ready to dabble into the leadership crisis that has engulfed the state owned NPFL club, Lobi Stars.

The association made it clear that its priority is to ensure the development of the game of football in the state at all times without interfering in the day-to-day activities of any club. 

The BAFA Chairman, Barrister Paul Edeh, in a statement, urged football stakeholders to exercise restraint, be patient and tolerant as he said the current administration led by Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia will at the right time take a decision on Lobi Stars.

Making reference to recent calls by some stakeholders for a new management to be constituted for Lobi Stars, the Chairman said “I have for the past few days, read with fascination arguments arising from the stakeholders’ meeting with His Excellency, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia regarding Lobi Stars. 

“I have also been inundated with calls and messages seeking to know the position of the Benue State Football Association (BSFA) on the issue.  

“The position of the BSFA is that the matter at hand is the internal affairs of Lobi Stars FC, which is an affiliate of the BSFA like every other club in the state. 

“BSFA under my watch will not interfere with the internal affairs of any of its affiliates, including Lobi Stars, especially when its opinion is not sought.

“However, we will offer guidance and advice when called upon to do so as a body responsible for administering football in the state,” he said.