Shooting Stars SC Head Coach, Gbenga Ogunbote [pictured above in spirit of sportsmanship photoshoot with Rangers Head Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu], has exonerated his players in the Oluyole Warriors’ 2-0 defeat to Rangers International in an NPFL matchday 16 game at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu on Thursday, December 29 2023, insisting that they didn’t perform badly, Completesports.com reports.
Kalu Nweke nodded the Flying Antelopes into the lead in the 26th minute, diverting Kenechukwu Agu’s volley from the left flank into the net and homeboy, Chidozie Okorie doubled the scoreline with a breathtaking shot that beat Shooting Stars’ goalkeeper Darlington Ovunda in the 88 minute.
Speaking after the Match Day 16 encounter against Rangers at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Ogunbote reiterated that Shooting Stars were not humiliated.
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“They [Shooting Stars players] didn’t play too badly except the fact that we had no goals to show for it. Nobody will say we were humiliated except for the goals,” Ogunbote who coached Rangers from 2017 to 2019 told Completesports.com.
“Sometimes goals do not actually determine the strength of play. Be it as it may, we take the positives from the match.”
Ogunbote described as unfortunate, the Stars’ poor run in the 2023/2024/NPFL, assuring that the table will soon turn for good for the team.
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“It’s unfortunate we’ve not won in a couple of games. We are not comfortable with it. So, we are seriously working on it and by God’s grace, sooner than expected we will bounce back,” he reassured.
Shooting Stars are currently in 13th position on 19 points from 15 matches in the 20-team NPFL table but with a game in hand. Rangers International sit in the ninth spot on 22 points, also from 15 games – with one outstanding match.
By Chigozie Chukwuleta
