Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Kwara United on Wednesday, much to the relief of head coach Gbenga Ogunbote.
Ogunbote expressed his satisfaction with the result, acknowledging that his team had squandered numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match. He attributed this wastefulness to the pressure on certain players who were struggling to find their form in the league season.
“The win today is a big relief for us. We had a lot of chances that we didn’t capitalize on, but I understand that some players were feeling the pressure to perform and prove themselves. It’s all part of the game,” Ogunbote stated.
Despite the missed chances, Ogunbote highlighted the progress his team has made in terms of teamwork and understanding on the field. He noted that the players, who were relatively new to the team at the beginning of the season, were now beginning to gel and work well together.
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“Compared to the first half of the season, the level of understanding among the players has definitely improved. We are all on the same page now, working towards our common goal,” Ogunbote explained.
That common goal, according to the coach, is to secure a continental slot for the team. With ten matches remaining in the season, Ogunbote is determined to see his team finish strong and achieve their target.
“We are aiming for a continental slot, and we still have a good chance of making it happen. We just need to maintain our current momentum and keep winning both at home and away,” Ogunbote emphasized.
On the other side, Kwara United’s coach Kabiru Dogo acknowledged the challenging position his team finds themselves in on the league table. With the threat of relegation looming, Dogo stressed the importance of winning their remaining home games to secure their place in the league.
“Our focus now is on avoiding relegation. We have to work hard and win as many games as possible to ensure our survival in the league. The team believes in our ability to overcome this challenge,” Dogo said.
