NPFL: Ogunbote laments Shooting Stars’ costly errors in defeat to Abia Warriors

By Wale Mustapha

Shooting Stars head coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, has expressed disappointment over his team’s performance in their 3-1 defeat to Abia Warriors on Sunday, criticizing the “careless errors” that cost them dearly.

The loss, which came in Matchday 35 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), further dented the Ibadan club’s hopes of securing a continental ticket.

Goals from Adejoh Ojonugwa, Anthony Ijioma, and Sunday Megwo sealed victory for the hosts in Umuahia, while Alex Aghahowa’s strike was a mere consolation for the Oluyole Warriors, whose winless run has now stretched to five matches.

Speaking after the game, a visibly disappointed Ogunbote admitted his side started poorly and paid the price.

“It wasn’t a good game for us. We conceded some careless goals due to needless mistakes,” he said in a post-match interview.

“Sometimes football goes your way, sometimes it doesn’t. We only started playing better in the second half after switching off earlier.”

“That’s football — now we go back and try to get better.”

Shooting Stars have now dropped to 11th on the table and face a tough test next weekend when they host Sunshine Stars in a highly anticipated Southwest derby in Ibadan.