 has officially parted ways with its Technical Adviser Gbenga Ogunbote, General Manager Dimeji Lawal){kind=link}
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) has officially parted ways with its Technical Adviser Gbenga Ogunbote, General Manager Dimeji Lawal, and the entire technical crew, with the decision taking immediate effect.
Ogunbote, who returned for his third stint with the Oluyole Warriors on August 22, 2022, following a one-year spell with Remo Stars, leaves the club after nearly three years in charge.
His tenure saw several achievements, including a 4th-place finish in the NPFL 2023/24 season —the club’s best finish in 26 years. He also led the team to victories at the inaugural Coal City Pre-season Tournament 2024 in Enugu, the inaugural Doxy Nmobuosi Super Cup, 2025 Oyo State Federation Cup, and the Seyi Makinde Football Volunteer Movement Trophy in 2023.
Gbenga Ogunbote in his 94 league games in charge of Shooting Stars SC over the past three seasons, recorded a 40% win rate with 38 wins, 25 draws and 31 losses.
However, the club’s performance in the second half of the 2024/25 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season proved decisive. 3SC managed just 4 wins, 6 draws, and 8 losses in 18 matches, finishing the campaign in eighth position.
Change of Direction Despite Contract Expectations
Earlier this month, a top club official had publicly dismissed speculation linking Ogunbote with a move to Kano Pillars, stating the veteran coach was expected to honour the final year of his contract. However, recent developments at the club’s Akinola Maja, Onireke headquarters have resulted in a change of course.
A reliable confirmed that the club is currently compiling a shortlist of experienced candidates as it moves swiftly to appoint a new technical head ahead of the 2025/26 NPFL season, which kicks off on August 22, 2025.
Focus Turns to Rebuilding
3SC recently featured in the Eko International Cup, using the tournament as a key part of their preseason preparations. The club’s next steps will likely define the direction of its campaign in the upcoming season, as fans await news on the next managerial appointment.
This marks the end of an era for Ogunbote, whose leadership brought silverware and moments of optimism but ultimately fell short of delivering sustained league success.