Lobi Stars’ Mathias devises novel COVID training routine

Nigerian attacking midfielder, Samuel Mathias has said he has been able to develop his own daily training routine that allows him to cope with coronavirus crisis lockdown.

Football activities in the country were suspended indefinitely in mid-March.

The Lobi Stars player confessed to having struggled with the uncertainties of the coronavirus pandemic and said he would still like to see the current league season completed.

“For me it is huge and important to have a routine within this period of inactivity caused by the coronavirus crisis. I cannot continue to wait for the all-important restart day, doing nothing on my fitness,” he said.

“It has not been easy with us who train almost on a daily basis to suddenly discover that you cannot train normally again… my body cannot go through two, three days without training.

“However, I have been able to cope with the sit-at-home order by registering with a private gym around my premises.

“I go there in the morning to make use of their facilities and thereafter return to my compound to do some running. I normally run at home and play with my siblings. It has been going on well and it has been exceedingly helpful.

“At the gym I engage in bicycle ride for about 20 minutes, sit-up, and lift some bars and irons.

“It has been very good for me with the gym and field exercises; at least, it has helped me greatly to keep fit. However, the uncertainty over the league season is quite disturbing; it has been giving me a lot of concern.

“I cannot wait to quickly go back to my football after the lockdown would have come to an end.

“I still feel concerned whether the league body, League Management Company (LMC) will continue with the league. I will really want them to continue with the league and complete the season’s calendar,” said the former Akwa United goal poacher.

Lobi Stars were sitting pretty on the third spot on the 20-team top-flight on 43 points, six points adrift of league leaders, Plateau United.

The Pride of Benue can still challenge for the league top prize with 13 matches left to complete the season.