Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan have officially parted ways with their head coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, bringing an end to his latest stint with the club.
The announcement came after weeks of speculation surrounding the future of the seasoned tactician, whose contract expired at the end of the just-concluded Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The club thanked Ogunbote for his service and leadership, acknowledging his contributions to the team during his tenure.
Gbenga Ogunbote, fondly known as “The Oracle,” joined Shooting Stars in 2022 and helped stabilize the club during a period of uncertainty. Under his guidance, the team showed significant improvements in both performance and consistency. His wealth of experience and tactical knowledge earned him the respect of players and fans alike, making his departure a bittersweet moment for many supporters.
Despite the relative success, it is believed that both parties decided not to renew the contract in a bid to pursue different directions. While the club is reportedly looking to inject fresh ideas into the technical bench, Ogunbote is said to be exploring new challenges in the Nigerian top flight or possibly abroad. This mutual decision highlights the evolving dynamics within the club as it seeks to reestablish itself among Nigeria’s football elite.
Fans of the Oluyole Warriors have taken to social media to express mixed feelings about the development. While many appreciate Ogunbote’s efforts and wish him well, others are eager to see a new face bring renewed energy to the squad. The club’s management has assured supporters that the search for a new head coach is already underway and that an announcement will be made soon.
As the team prepares for the upcoming NPFL season, all eyes will be on the club’s next managerial appointment. The successor will face the daunting task of building on Ogunbote’s foundation while meeting the high expectations of the fans and board. For Ogunbote, his departure marks the end of another chapter in a distinguished coaching career, and he remains a respected figure in Nigerian football circles.
