Gbenga Ogunbote, the Technical Adviser of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), says his team must now intensify efforts to win their away matches in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Ogunbote, while speaking during a post-match news conference after 3SC defeated visiting Kano Pillars 1-0 on Sunday in Ibadan, said winning at away was now highly necessary.
“It is now well necessary so as to meet up with our target for the ongoing 2023/2024 NPFL season,” he said following the Match Day 9 fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Following the match, as well as other Match Day 9 results, Shooting Stars are placed third on the log with 17 points from five wins and two draws.
Doma United of Gombe and Lobi Stars of Makurdi are placed first and second with 17 points each also, but they have better goals difference than 3SC.
Ogunbote pointed out that the teams ahead of 3SC on the league table were there because of the away points they had gathered.
“If a team will make a strong statement in this league at the end of the season, such team must think of winning and getting away points.
“We need to finish on the high side to ensure that the team, the Oyo state government, fans and other stakeholders are happy at the end of the day.
“Our dream is to win a ticket to play on the continent next season, and we believe that we can achieve this with the support of management, financial, players, supporters and others,” he said.
NAN reports that 3SC’s five wins were from home, while they have recorded two draws and two losses from four outings at away.
Speaking about officiating in the competition, Ogunbote noted that it has been improving in comparison to what was obtainable last season.
“Generally, officiating in the Nigerian league is improving, compared to that of last season.
“We pray however that there will be a level-playing ground in terms of officiating in our next game, which is against Lobi Stars in Lafia next weekend,” Ogunbote said.
