The management of Shooting Stars has thrown its weight behind the technical adviser, Gbenga Ogunbote.
This follows recent calls for his sack over his poor end to the first round of the 2023-24 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
The club hierarchy has, therefore, declared its support for the experienced tactician after an impressive start to the second round of the league.
Shooting Stars have recorded four points in three games.
“We want to state unequivocally that we are solidly behind coach Gbenga Ogunbote, whose appointment was basically based on his track record as far as coaching is concerned in Nigeria,” the club stated after a joint meeting in Ibadan.
“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.
“Ogunbote had performed a 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, thus qualifying the team for a continental tourney after years of such a feat.
“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, we are satisfied with his efforts.
“As of Week 22 of the ongoing season, nine points separate 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 sweet 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 realized.
“Any move that could cause distractions to the team should be avoided; instead, all hands must be on the deck, we should join hands together to make it happen.”
NPFL: Shooting Stars pass vote of confidence on coach Ogunbote
