Ogunbute downplays title favorite tag for Lobi Stars

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By Diegwu Nwankwor
Lobi Stars head coach Gbenga Ogunbute has toned down claims that his team are favorites to win the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title at the end of the season.
Ogunbute spoke to www.npfl.ng at the end of the Matchday 17 fixture which saw Lobi Stars defeating Nasarawa United 2-1, and said there can only be a clear favorite when every team has played the same number of matches.
‘I think it’s to early to start labelling a team as favorites because we still have so many matches to play…we have not even reached the half way line yet and we still have teams with outstanding matches including us.
‘We can only begin to label a team title favorite when everyone is at par in terms of matches played’ Ogunbute told www.npfl.ng
A long range freekick from Chigozie Obasi and a tap in from Samad Kadiri in either half ensured that Lobi Stars returned to wining ways at home after the disappointing draw to Dakkarda FC last weekend and Ogunbute believes his team will keep working hard to remain at the top for as long as possible.
The former Enyimba, Rangers and Sunshine Stars coach believes they have to take the matches one at a time.
‘We are going to take the matches one at a time, so far we are doing good and we will keep fighting hard to stay at the top.’ Ogunbute said.
Over 3000 fans watched the Derby yesterday between Lobi Stars and Nasarawa United and Ogunbute praised the fans for their support and conduct throughout the match.
Ogunbute believes the fans are beginning to understand that there are no easy matches anymore and cheer the team to the end.
‘The turnout today was massive, the biggest since I took over. Most importantly, the fans kept pushing and supporting us, they also saw that we were up against a very good side.
‘They [the fans] are beginning to understand that there are no easy matches and that they have to get behind the team and keep pushing till the end. I urge them to keep coming out because we need their presence in the stands.’
Up next for Lobi Stars is an away trip to face Jigawa

 

 

 

 

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