Olugbenga Ogunbote, one of Nigeria’s fluorishing coaches in the domestic football has exclusively spoken glowingly to Completesports.com of his two season spell at Rangers International, gleefully saying it represents the ‘best moment’ of his coaching career so far.
The 57-year-old was in charge at Rangers from 2017 to 2019, following a move from Oriental rivals, Enyimba International, where he saw out a one season contract.
Ogunbote shared his Coal City Flying Antelopes life with Completesports.com in Owerri, after his charges, Remo Stars, compounded struggling Heartland’s relegation worries with a scoreless draw in a matchday-22 of the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixture at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
“I’ve had coaching spells at about ten clubs, four on rescue mission,” starts the soft spoken Ogun State born gaffer in his hotel room in Owerri.
“In all of them, I can tell you from the depth of my heart that I really enjoyed all of them. But if I must single out any one, I would say it was my days at Enugu Rangers.
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“You know what Rangers represents in Nigeria and perhaps, African clubside football. They are a household name. I was there for two seasons, 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons.
“That period, I must say, represents the ‘best moment’ of my career so far”, Ogunbote said to Completesports.com.
Ogunbote equally had coaching spell at (now defunct) Sharks of Port Harcourt. He also had a brief spell at (now defunct) Giwa FC, as well as Gateway United, Abeokuta, his home State’s team; Sunshine Stars (2012 and 2020-2021), Shooting Stars Sports Club, 3SC Ibadan (2012); Enyimba (2016-2017), Lobi Stars (2019-2020 and his current job as technical supremo at newly promoted NPFL side, Remo Stars.
Asked why his days at Rangers remain indelible in his mind despite having coached a big club like Enyimba who are clearly Nigeria’s most successful club having won the prestegious CAF Champions League, , Ogunbote said he recorded big success with the Flying Antelopes.
“I was in Rangers for two seasons. Within the period, we were in the African continent. Besides, I won Aiteo Cup with Rangers (following the 3-0 dramatic comeback win against Kano Pillars at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba).
“It was my first major trophy as a coach. I enjoyed a most harmonious working relation with the club, the government and people of the State. The fans were incredibly behind the club, very passionate and loving”.
Cool, calm and unassuming, Ogunbote has never had brushes with his employers in the course of his career and he would go on to reveal the reason.
“I don’t accept jobs that have elements of controversy. I would always make sure that I find out why the former coach left. And again, I would clearly spell out my terms and conditions for you to consider. If it’s okay by you, fine and good, we roll, but if not, I stay away,” Ogunbote said.
“I always draw a line between my technical duties and that of the management. What I mean by this is that I always engage myself with the technical aspect of the team and never dabble into issues that relate to funds. All I care for is you giving me what we agreed upon as my entitlement and leave the management to handle the club’s funds.
“I always try to make sure that there is unity, a synergy between me, my players and the management. I believe that as a unit, we can always achieve success when there is unity.”
Despite his rich credentials, the dark-skinned gaffer has not had a favourable look-in at the national team. But he would not admit that but says there’s always time for everything.
“I wouldn’t say so, I was once invited by the NFF on interim arrangement. That was during the days of Shuaibu Amodu and Stephen Keshi. We came for a particular game or something like that and afterwards, we were released.
“Since then, I’ve been working hard on my club assignments and praying for success. Of course, one always looks to the future with optimism. When it’s God’s time, yes, one can get there”.
Ogunbote reckons that he loves career challenges, the reason he took up Remo Stars coaching job.
“Life is all about challenges”, he says. “It is good to face challenges, that’s what stands you out. When the President of Remo Stars invited me, we spoke and I understood his policy direction, it suited me and I said, okay, we can work together.
“Yes, it is a big challenge, life is all about challenges. Remo Stars had been in the top flight previously. This time, the mandate is for us to sustain our top flight position and then after that, we plan for the seasons ahead.
“We want to keep ourselves up in the comfort zone of the league. So far, I think, we’re on course. But that does not mean we won’t take it if the [bigger] opportunity comes”, Ogunbote stressed.
