By Tosin Omojola
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) head coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, has stated that he has utmost respect for Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) new boys, Ikorodu City.
Both clubs will meet this Sunday in the Southwest Derby for the first time in the NPFL at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan in Lagos and Ogunbote is already looking forward to the contest and quite wary in dismissing his side’s next opponents.
Ogunbote’s premise however stems from City’s impressive run of four wins in their last six NPFL matches (W4 D1 L1).
“I don’t disrespect any team. Ikorodu City is a team you should respect. For them to be in the Premiership (NPFL), we respect them, we are not afraid of them.
The 3SC coach, also known as The Oracle, is confident his team are going to put up a good performance when both sides meet, adding that their 3-0 win will also “enhance the confidence” of his players.
“As for the match, all we need to do is to go there and play our game. We are representing the state and the entire followers of the club and we will do everything humanly possible to defend the badge,” Ogunbote said.
“I think the outcome of this game (El-Kanemi) will enhance the confidence of the boys and my prayer has always being the same, I hope we get a level playing ground in the match, with that, all we need to do is play our game, do our best to get a positive result”, the highly respected Ogunbote concluded.
Ikorodu City and 3SC had only previously met twice in pre-season tournaments, and on both occasions they played out draws (1-1 and 0-0).