NPFL: “It’s a two point loss for us” – Ogunbote on Shooting Stars’ draw vs Nasarawa

By Wale Mustapha

Shooting Stars’ Technical Adviser, Gbenga Ogunbote, has voiced his disappointment following his team’s 1-1 draw with Nasarawa United in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) opener on Sunday.

In the Matchday One clash held on in Lafia, the Oluyole Warriors managed to secure a late equalizer thanks to Samuel Ayanride, who scored in the dying minutes after Yusuf Anas had given Nasarawa United the lead from the penalty spot.

Ogunbote praised his players for their resilience but expressed that he would have preferred a victory.

“Considering it was the first game, I am somewhat satisfied with the point, as it’s better than none. However, I see it as a two-point loss because we should have won the game,” he said.

“We had the chance to take all three points, and while a point is a consolation, it feels like we missed an opportunity.”

He continued, “I didn’t foresee us losing this match. Once we stabilized and took control, the chances started coming our way. Nasarawa United, being newly promoted, were very combative in the first half. We had to weather their pressure, and in the second half, we showed our quality.”

Looking ahead, Ogunbote’s side will next face Plateau United at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan.