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NPFL: Gbenga Ogunbote blames Shooting Stars’ acoring crisis on anxiety
By Wale Mustapha
Technical Adviser of Shooting Stars, Gbenga Ogunbote, has attributed his team’s recent struggles in front of goal to a mix of eagerness to impress and desperation, following their 1-0 victory over Katsina United in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The Oluyole Warriors have been grappling with a scoring drought, which saw them go three games without a win before breaking that streak with a slender victory on Monday, thanks to Samuel Ayanride’s crucial strike.
Ogunbote praised his players for their determination, acknowledging that the team’s recent form had been hampered by anxiety and the pressure to deliver a result.
“It was a good game. Katsina United came to play for their coach, and it’s more than just having a team. When your players are willing to give everything for you, that’s what we saw from them,” Ogunbote reflected.
“They played their hearts out, but we were the team with more determination. No matter the situation, we were determined to win.”
While acknowledging the struggles in front of goal, Ogunbote remained optimistic, adding, “We haven’t won in a while, and the anxiety to score has cost us opportunities. We missed chances that were easier to take than to lose.”
Despite the team’s scoring challenges, the 1-0 win against Katsina United brought relief.
“The victory is a big relief for the team, and it brings joy,” Ogunbote said.
“It will also boost our confidence, which is important moving forward. Above all, it was a well-deserved win.”
Ogunbote hopes this success will serve as a turning point, allowing Shooting Stars to build momentum in the coming fixtures.
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