Gbenga Ogunbote, head coach of Shooting Stars, has addressed the team's poor early season form in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL season. So far, Shooting Stars have managed only one win out of their first seven matches, accumulating just 6 points from a possible 21. With three losses and three draws, the team sits 16th on the table, just above the relegation zone due to a superior goal difference of -3.

Ogunbote attributed the sluggish start to the departure of 11 players from the 19 retained last season, requiring the integration of nine new players into the squad. This change has slowed down the team’s synergy and performance. However, Ogunbote expressed optimism that, like last season, the team would overcome these early challenges and get back to winning form as they gel.

Despite the disappointing 2-0 loss to Rivers United on matchday 7, Ogunbote believes the team is gradually improving and assured fans that Shooting Stars will soon bounce back. Their next game is a home match against Katsina United at the Lekan Salami Stadium, where fans are eagerly hoping for a much-needed victory.

Editorial

Shooting Stars' rough start to the NPFL season has raised concerns, but Ogunbote’s candid explanation provides insight into the challenges the team is facing. With 11 player departures and the introduction of nine new faces, it’s clear that building team chemistry takes time, and the results so far reflect the disruption caused by this transition.

We believe that Ogunbote’s experience and his understanding of the team’s dynamics will be crucial as they navigate this tough period. His calm yet determined approach shows that he’s not panicking, and this kind of leadership is exactly what the team needs as they look to turn things around.

Shooting Stars’ next game will be a crucial test, not just for the players but also for Ogunbote as pressure begins to mount. A win at home could be the spark they need to start climbing the table and finding the form that fans expect.

Did You Know?

1. Shooting Stars have won just one of their first seven matches in the 2024/2025 NPFL season, placing them 16th on the table.


2. The team’s struggles have been attributed to the departure of 11 players and the integration of nine new players, affecting team chemistry.


3. Coach Gbenga Ogunbote believes the team will bounce back soon, drawing parallels to a similar situation last season.


4. Shooting Stars have only scored 3 goals while conceding 6 in their first seven matches.


5. Their next match is against Katsina United, where fans are hoping for a home victory to relieve the growing pressure on the team.