Gbenga Ogunbote, a seasoned football coach with a notable track record, will remain at the helm of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), a former Nigerian Premier Football League champion, until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. This decision solidifies Ogunbote’s commitment to the Ibadan-based club, dispelling recent rumors linking him to a potential move to Kano Pillars. Ogunbote’s journey with 3SC began in 2023 with an initial one-year contract, which was subsequently extended by two years in June 2024, securing his presence in Ibadan until 2026. This extension demonstrates the club’s continued faith in his abilities, despite a period of performance-related challenges towards the end of the previous season.
The latter part of the 2023/24 season saw 3SC’s title aspirations falter, leading to speculation about Ogunbote’s future with the club. Initially positioned as strong contenders for the league title, their performance dipped, resulting in an eighth-place finish with 54 points. This outcome placed them just one spot and a single point above Kano Pillars, ironically the team Ogunbote was rumored to be joining. The club’s management reportedly contemplated dismissing Ogunbote due to the team’s underperformance, but ultimately decided against it, allowing him to fulfill the remaining duration of his contract.
While Kano Pillars have not officially commented on their managerial situation, the club may be exploring options for a new coach. Their previous season was marked by internal discord surrounding the return of coach Usman Abdallah, who faced a two-month suspension over what he perceived as trivial matters. This incident suggests a potential vacancy at Kano Pillars, a position Ogunbote was speculated to fill. However, with his future now firmly secured at 3SC, Ogunbote’s focus will be on steering the club towards success in the upcoming season.
Ogunbote’s coaching career boasts a significant achievement: leading Rangers International to victory in the 2018 Federation Cup. This remains his sole major trophy as a manager, and he will undoubtedly be aiming to add to his silverware collection during his tenure at 3SC. The club’s management, having chosen to retain Ogunbote despite the challenging end to the last season, will be hoping that he can replicate past successes and guide the team back to title contention. The upcoming seasons present a crucial opportunity for Ogunbote to prove his worth and solidify his legacy as a successful coach in the Nigerian Premier Football League.
The decision to retain Ogunbote signals 3SC’s belief in his long-term vision for the club. His experience and tactical acumen are seen as valuable assets in their quest to regain their former glory. The upcoming seasons will be a test of his ability to rebuild the team’s confidence and instill a winning mentality. The pressure will be on to deliver results, and Ogunbote will need to draw on all his experience to navigate the challenges ahead.
With rumors of his departure now firmly extinguished, Ogunbote can fully concentrate on the task at hand: revitalizing 3SC and leading them back to the top of Nigerian football. His continued presence brings a sense of stability and continuity to the club, which is essential for building a strong and competitive team. The next two seasons will be a defining period for both Ogunbote and 3SC, as they strive to achieve their shared ambitions and reclaim their place among the league’s elite. The Nigerian football landscape will be watching closely to see if Ogunbote can deliver on the promise he has shown throughout his career.
