Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) Technical Adviser, Gbenga Ogunbote, has outlined the factors that helped the Oluyole Warriors end Rangers’ 10-match unbeaten run in the 2024/2025 NPFL with a 1-0 win in their matchday 18 fixture at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday , Completesports.com reports.
Ikouwem Utin scored the decisive goal for Ogunbote’s side in the 27th minute of the first half, securing 3SC’s first-ever victory against Rangers in Enugu
After the match, Ogunbote praised his team’s preparedness, emphasising their “character” and “attitude” in facing a tough challenge.
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“We knew we were coming to Enugu for a tough game,” said the 65-year-old coach, who has managed clubs such as Rangers, Enyimba, Remo Stars, and Sunshine Stars. “Ordinarily, 10 games unbeaten is massive. Credit to the team, but you would expect fatigue and other factors to set in. I think we capitalised on that. Also, I believe we needed the points more than they did.”
When asked to elaborate on why 3SC needed the points more, Ogunbote clarified: “Rangers are a strong team, and going 10 games unbeaten is no small feat. We wanted to see if we could achieve the same. That’s not disrespecting Rangers; they are a team you must fight hard to defeat. But for us, it’s about finishing strong this season.”
Ogunbote also highlighted the significance of the win in the context of the season: “We’ve just played week 18. There are still 20 games to go, so it’s too early to talk about title contention. No one can confidently say, ‘I’m winning the title’ at this stage. Our focus is on finishing as strongly as possible.
“All I tell my players is to aspire to go beyond the sky, so that if we fall, we fall among the stars.”
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Reflecting further on the match, Ogunbote admitted his team could have been punished for missed opportunities in the first half.
“We had so many chances that we wasted. But against a team like Rangers, who are the defending champions, you have to bring everything—character and attitude. Thankfully, it paid off today.”
Rangers, currently fourth on the table with 28 points, will travel to Niger Tornadoes in Minna for a matchday 19 fixture. Meanwhile, Shooting Stars, third with 30 points, will host Kwara United in Ibadan on the same day.
By Sab Osuji
