NPFL: Shooting Stars part ways with Gbenga Ogunbote, entire technical crew

By Dayo Awoniyi

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) has officially parted ways with Technical Adviser Gbenga Ogunbote, General Manager Dimeji Lawal, and the entire technical crew, following a turbulent end to the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The Ibadan-based club announced the sweeping changes on Tuesday, with the decision taking immediate effect as the Oluyole Warriors look to restructure ahead of the new campaign.

Ogunbote, who rejoined the club for a third stint on August 22, 2022, leaves after nearly three years in charge.

His tenure delivered notable silverware, including triumphs in the Doxy Nmobuosi Super Cup, the Oyo State Federation Cup, and the Seyi Makinde Football Volunteer Movement Trophy—achievements that helped restore pride among the club’s passionate fan base.

Despite those highs, 3SC’s form in the latter part of the 2024/25 NPFL season proved costly.

The Ibadan-based team managed just four wins in their final 18 matches, alongside six draws and eight defeats, slumping to an underwhelming eighth-place finish—well below the club’s ambitions.

Earlier this month, speculation surrounding Ogunbote’s exit had been downplayed by club sources, with suggestions he would honor the final year of his contract.

However, recent internal developments at the Akinola Maja Onireke Secretariat prompted a decisive shift in direction.

A source close to the club revealed that 3SC is already compiling a shortlist of experienced candidates to fill the technical vacuum, as preparations intensify for the 2025/26 season, which begins on August 22.

As part of their preseason build-up, the club recently competed in the Eko International Cup, signaling their intent to enter the new campaign with renewed momentum—albeit under new leadership.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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