NPFL 25: Ogunbote Applauds Shooting Stars’ Determination in Victory Over Akwa United



Shooting Stars head coach Gbenga Ogunbote has praised his team’s resilience and determination in their 2-1 victory over Akwa United in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match-day nine clash. The Oluyole Warriors, continuing their home winning streak, secured another three points after defeating Katsina United 1-0 in their previous home match at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan. Ogunbote emphasized that his players’ dedication has been central to their recent successes, which have kept them in a competitive position in the NPFL standings.

In his post-match comments, Ogunbote highlighted the importance of synergy among his players, noting that teamwork and cohesion will be crucial to maintaining and improving their performance. "It’s beyond just having a team," Ogunbote said. "When you have players who want to play for you, they will give it their all, and you will get good results." This dedication from the players, he believes, is what drives their results, regardless of the challenges they encounter on the pitch.

Ogunbote also noted the mental strength required from players to secure victories, emphasizing the need for each player to adopt a winning mindset. “They must also tell themselves, ‘No matter the situation, head or tail, we must win,’” he stated. He recognized that sometimes players struggle with nerves and emotions that may cause them to miss goal-scoring opportunities. Ogunbote explained that while these moments are part of the game, they are working towards improving emotional control to maximize their performance.

The Shooting Stars coach expressed confidence that as his players continue to gel, the team’s offensive capabilities will naturally improve. "It’s good when the synergy comes gradually," he shared, adding that once the squad achieves a high level of coordination, they will be in a better position to create more scoring opportunities. Ogunbote’s focus on gradual improvement indicates his long-term vision for Shooting Stars, prioritizing steady progress over immediate results.



Ogunbote’s ultimate goal is for the team to reach a point where their synergy is instinctive, allowing players to create and convert chances with ease. He remarked, "By the time the synergy becomes top-notch, we can note that, even when we close our eyes, the opportunities will be created and converted." This reflects his belief in the importance of trust and understanding on the field, which he believes will make Shooting Stars a formidable force in the NPFL.

With their recent victories, Shooting Stars have shown they can be consistent contenders, especially on home turf. Ogunbote’s focus on unity and determination has instilled a winning mentality within the team, setting a positive foundation as they continue their NPFL campaign. As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see if the Oluyole Warriors can maintain their form and rise further up the league table.

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