Shooting Stars head coach Gbenga Ogunbote has expressed his disappointment following his team’s 1-0 loss to Katsina United, conceding in the 97th minute during an NPFL Matchday 28 clash at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
The decisive goal was scored by Ahmed Abdul Taofeek deep into stoppage time, dealing a heavy blow to Shooting Stars’ ambition for a continental spot.
Ogunbote attributed the defeat to fatigue and poor preparation, as the team arrived in Katsina just 24 hours before kickoff, after enduring a 48-hour journey from Ibadan due to multiple mechanical breakdowns of their team bus.
“It’s unfortunate that we lost the match in the last minute. The boys gave their best, but the journey affected them. They couldn’t really express themselves due to fatigue,” Ogunbote stated.
The loss extends Shooting Stars’ winless run to five games, leaving them third in the NPFL table with 48 points, trailing league leaders Remo Stars by 11 points with a game in hand.
Editorial
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Shooting Stars’ late collapse against Katsina United highlights the challenges of travel logistics in Nigerian football. For a team competing for a continental spot, poor transportation arrangements and fatigue induced performances should not be the reason for dropped points.
The club management must ensure that players travel comfortably and arrive in optimal condition before crucial matches. Losing in the 97th minute after a long road trip raises concerns about player welfare and preparation standards in the NPFL.
If Shooting Stars want to maintain their push for a continental spot, they must resolve their travel issues, improve squad depth, and regain consistency. Every point matters at this stage, and they cannot afford to keep slipping.
Did You Know?
- Shooting Stars endured a 48 hour road journey to Katsina due to multiple breakdowns of their team bus.
- The loss extended their winless run to five matches, denting their chances of finishing in the NPFL top three.
- Remo Stars currently lead the NPFL table, with Shooting Stars trailing by 11 points despite having a game in hand.
- Ahmed Abdul Taofeek’s last minute goal was Katsina United’s first stoppage time winner this season.
- NPFL clubs often struggle with long-distance travel, affecting match preparations and overall performance.
