Olugbenga Ogunbote has exclusively told Completesports.com that he enjoyed every moment of his stay in Enugu while managing Enugu Rangers from 2017 to 2019.
The man nicknamed ‘Oracle’ reveals how he enjoyed a father/son relationship with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi during his two-year coaching job at Rangers International.
“It was an incredible moment for me. Remember, Rangers is a household name in African football and it is always a pride for you to be involved, either as a player or coach,” Ogunbote told Completesports.com.
“Besides, the governor, His Excellency Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has that special attachment to the club and loves me exceptionally like a son.
“He would always invite us for lunch, or dinner with him and at the end of the day still give us money.
“After my contract with Rangers expired in 2019, he called me to ask why I wanted to leave, trying to persuade me, but I explained my position to him”.
Ogunbote joined Rangers in 2017 and took the club through the 2017 CAF Champions League campaign, but a 5-3 aggregate defeat by Zamalek of Egypt in the First Round saw the Coal City Flying Antelopes drop down to the CAF Confederation Cup.
Now in technical saddle at newly promoted Remo Stars, Ogunbote says his intention is to steady the club in the Nigerian top flight.
“Remo Stars had twice or thrice been involved in the domestic top flight. And coming back this time, we want to first steady our ship in the NPFL Yes, we’ve been unbeaten so far, but we ain’t allowing that get into our heads,” he started.
“We need not get swollen headed because it is a marathon league, and not a 100 meters race. But of course, we have to be happy and be proud of our performance so far”.
A former Shooting Stars Sports Club, 3SC, Enyimba and Lobi Stars gaffer, Ogunbote says he cherishes the valuable point his side achieved at Rangers, despite the poor state of the FC Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium surface.
“When you get a result at your former club, it’s always a thing of joy. I’m sure Rangers also did’t feel too comfortable with the pitch, so, I can say it is a ‘fair result’.”
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