Samad Kadiri was the match-winner for Lobi Stars, who emerged 1-0 winners against Enugu Rangers on Tuesday in the 2018 Nigeria Super Cup played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
The big centre forward grabbed the winner in the first-half for the 2018 Nigeria League champions when he capitalised on Okey Odita's error.
The annual contest, which serves to usher in the new Nigeria football league season, is played between the league champions and Aiteo Cup winners.
Rangers, who secured a dramatic Aiteo Cup win a month ago at the same venue, were unlucky not to have gone in-front in the 15th minute when new signing Seka Pascal's effort hit the woodwork.
The Flying Antelopes buoyed by the return of 2014 Super Eagles World Cup star Michael Uchebo in attack looked threatening, but they ultimately failed to trouble goalkeeper John Lawrence and were soon on the back foot with Kadiri converting Lobi's first real clear sight of goal.
Rangers' chances of pulling level were hampered with Solomon Okpako's sending-off nine minutes from time - his second booking on the night.
It could have gone from bad to worse for the Flying Antelopes minutes later, but Yaya Kone saw his initial strike saved by Nana Bonsu, before the Ivorian blazed the rebound over the bar.