Nigeria Premier League

Shooting Stars’ Management Passes Vote of Confidence on Coach Ogunbote

Sequel to calls by some people, on the Management of the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), to review the performance of coach Gbenga Ogunbote, the management has thrown its weight behind the widely traveled gaffer.

Reacting to the questioning of the experienced handler technical abilities, the management in a statement, said coach Ogunbote, remains one of the best tactician in the country.

“We want to state unequivocally that we are solidly behind coach Gbenga Ogunbote, whose appointment was basically based on his track records as far as coaching is concerned in Nigeria

“Over the years, coach Ogunbote has handled notable clubs in the country, and he has also recorded indelible achievements with almost all the clubs.

“Going through his records, you will agree that the soft spoken, hard working sweat merchant has paid his dues in the handling of teams in the Nigerian league.

“On two ocassions, before his third coming here, Ogunbote had been here previously on rescue missions, which he carried out successfully.

“When he handled Sunshine Stars, it is on record that he took the team to the semi final stage of both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup I. 2010 and 2011, having led the Akure gunners to pick continental slots while the team.

“Ogunbote, had performed similar feat with the defunct Sharks of Port Harcourt, which he saved from going on relegation some years back.

“In 2018, Ogunbote led Rangers International of Enugu to lift the Federation Cup in an astonishing manner, this qualifying the team for a continental tourney after years of such feat.

“Two seasons ago, before he was appointed the head coach of our darling team, the former Lobi Stars coach shocked bookmakers by guiding Remo Stars FC to a third place finish in the NFL and ultimately ensuring the Sky Blue Stars book a continental slot for the first time in their history.

“Our decision to appoint him as the gaffer was not borne out of sentiment but on the fact that his antecedents speak volume.

“In the ongoing season, the coach has continued to put in his best to ensure we get the desired result and so far so good, we are satisfied with his efforts.

“As as at Week 22 of the ongoing season, nine points separates us and the team topping the table and with 16 matches left to be played, we are optimistic that our goal is still realistic, hence our resolve to back the sweat merchant to continue with his job.

“At this point, we want to appeal to all our supporters and fans and stakeholders in general to please, give the management and the Gbenga Ogunbote led coaching crew more support, as we are all committed to ensuring that the ultimate goal set this season is realised.

“Any move that could cause distractions to the team should be avoided, instead all hands must on the deck, we should jon hands together to make it happen”.

Nigeria Premier League

Ogunmodede reflects on Emo Stars’ win over Abia Warriors

Emo Stars technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede admitted his side was fortunate to secure a 3-2 victory over Abia Warriors in Ikenne on Wednesday.

Abia Warriors took a 2-0 lead in the first half, with goals from Ayodele Eziekel and Anthony Ijoma. However, Emo Stars responded with three goals from Olamilekan Adebayo, Jabbar Malik, and Franck Mawuena to clinch the win.

Ogunmodede acknowledged that his team had underestimated their opponents but managed to turn things around. “The game was tense and shocking in the first half on our home ground. Not every time you will be lucky against a great team we played against,” he said in the post-match interview.

“We underestimated the qualities of our opponent, and we were punished for it. But luckily, we identified the problem and readjusted to get the victory.”

Emo Stars will now aim to build on this win as they continue their campaign

Nigeria Premier League

Kano Pillars eye maximum points in midweek showdown with Ikorodu City

Kano Pillars are determined to secure all three points in their upcoming fixture against Ikorodu City in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The Sai Masu Gida will face Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Wednesday.

Usman Abdallah’s side is upbeat and focused ahead of the match, with the players in high spirits.

“Done and dusted with the shake-ups ahead of our NPFL25 Matchday 21 clash against Ikorodu City this Wednesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos,” Kano Pillars wrote on X.

“The boys are in high spirits and determined to secure maximum points as we aim to continue our impressive run this season.”

Kano Pillars currently sit in eighth place on the league table with 28 points.

Nigeria Premier League

Brown Ideye criticizes NPFL standards, calls for major improvements

Enyimba striker Brown Ideye has expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), stating that significant improvements are needed to elevate its standard.

Ideye, who rejoined the league in December 2024 after signing for Enyimba, has made appearances in both NPFL and CAF Confederation Cup matches, scoring two goals so far.

Sharing his thoughts following Enyimba’s 2-0 defeat to Kwara United in a rescheduled matchday 16 fixture in Ilorin, Ideye voiced concerns about the league’s challenges.

“The system is getting worse; the league is not improving. I feel like we have a long way to go,” Ideye remarked during an interview.

Despite enjoying his time at Enyimba, the former West Brom striker emphasized that much remains to be addressed in the league.

“My time at Enyimba has been wonderful, but there are a lot of things in the league that need improvement and haven’t changed yet,” he added.

On the poor performances of Nigerian clubs in CAF competitions, Ideye highlighted critical areas requiring attention.

“In terms of traveling, feeding, hotel accommodations, and player relaxation — it’s all bad. Nigerians are not ready for continental competitions. We need to put our house in order before going there, instead of embarrassing ourselves.”