Lobi Stars' quest for a second Federation Cup title received a boost yesterday when the commissioner of Youths and Sports, Egbiri Idaah assured the team of unflinching support from the Benue State government.

The commissioner's pledge is coming on the heels of Lobi Stars 2-1 win over Akwa Starlets in one of the quarter-final matches of the ongoing Federation Cup.

Speaking to Daily Trust immediately after the victory, Idaah expressed satisfaction with the performance of the team and assured that Lobi will go all the way to the finals.

He said even as it was not an easy match, Lobi Stars proved football pundits rights by edging out their opponents for the all important semi-final ticket.

The commissioner said Lobi Stars have so far justified the confidence reposed in them by the government and people of Benue State.

He therefore assured the team of government's unwavering support saying sports is one of the top priorities of the administration of Governor Gabriel Torwua Suswam.

I am overwhelmed with happiness that my team has qualified for the semi-final. Although the match was not an easy one, the boys did us proud by coming out victorious. I am so elated and grateful to God for this victory.

"Having crossed this hurdle, I can assure you that Lobi Stars will reach the final again. The morale of the team is really high because of the immense support coming from the sports loving governor of the state, His Excellency, Gabriel Torwua Suswam. The government has been most supportive and I can assure everyone that the support will continue to flow.

Idaah also expressed confidence that even as Lobi is going to face Enyimba in one of the semi-final matches, the Benue State team would come out victorious.

He said Enyimba would come into the match with a rich profile but he does not see the 'People's Elephants' stopping his team from making it to another final.

"Although we are going to meet Enyimba in the semi-final, I do not have any problem with the fixture. Lobi Stars is ready to take on any opponent at this stage. None of the clubs left in the competition is a push over.

"The players and the technical crew will be given all the necessary motivation to beat Enyimba. I respect our opponents as former African champions but that is not to say they will stop us from achieving our aim of winning our second title", he assured.

Lobi Stars first won the Federation Cup back in 2009 when it was known as the Challenge Cup.