Gbenga Ogunbote cites anxiety, pressure as key factors in 3SC win vs Sunshine Stars

By Wale Mustapha

 Shooting Stars Technical Adviser Gbenga Ogunbote has attributed his team’s narrow 1–0 victory over Sunshine Stars to anxiety and pressure stemming from their recent poor form.

The Oluyole Warriors ended a five-match winless streak in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a hard-fought win over their South-West rivals on Matchday 36, played at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Sunday.

Left-back Ikouwem Utim scored the decisive goal, securing all three points for the home side in front of their fans.

Speaking after the match, Ogunbote admitted that the team’s recent form affected the players’ composure and performance in front of goal.

“There was a lot of anxiety among my players, which made them miss several obvious chances,” he said. “But the important thing is the three points we now have in the kitty. The win is a big relief for a team that had gone five games without victory.”

Ogunbote added that the win would serve as a morale booster heading into the final stretch of the season.

With the result, Shooting Stars move up to seventh place on the NPFL table, having accumulated 51 points from 36 matches. They will travel to face Kano Pillars in their next fixture this weekend.