3SC Vows to Fight Till the Finish in NPFL Title Race

Despite their dwindling fortunes in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL), Shooting Stars‘ 3SC, coach Gbenga Ogunbote remains optimistic that his team can still celebrate something at the end of the season.

Recent Struggles
The Ibadan outfit has been winless in their last seven matches, dropping from the second spot in the table to the sixth position after 29 matches. Their latest result was a 2-0 loss against relegation-threatened Akwa United in Uyo on Sunday.

Current Standings
With 43 points so far this term, 3SC trails behind third-placed Rangers International, who occupy the last continental spot with 45 points. Ikorodu City and Abia Warriors also sit above them in the table.

Shift in Ambition
From being eight points behind Remo Stars, 3SC are now 14 points behind the leaders. Ogunbote seems to have shifted the ambition of the team, focusing on securing a continental spot rather than the league title.

Ogunbote’s Comments
“We have nine games to determine that. We have played seven games without a win, it could be any other team. When we pick up, maybe some other teams will still flop too, so we will fight until the end,” Ogunbote said after Sunday’s game.

Lamenting the Loss
He also lamented the loss against Akwa United. “It’s unfortunate. We did everything possible, but sometimes you have careless moments. This wasn’t the true picture of the game, but we lost. All we need to do is go back, see where we got it wrong, and get back to winning ways.”

Upcoming Match
Ogunbote’s side will hope to bounce back from their recent poor run of form when they host Niger Tornadoes in Ibadan on match-day 30.