Reason Ogunbote Left Rangers To Join Lobi Stars (AUDIO)

Gbenga Ogunbote has told busybuddiesng.com he left Rangers to join Lobi Stars in order ‘to face a new challenge’ at the Makurdi-based club.

After spending two seasons in Enugu, guiding The Flying Antelopes to their first Aiteo Cup title in 35 years in 2018, the former Sunshine Stars and Enyimba coach decided to team up with The Pride of Benue, replacing late Solomon Ogbeide, who passed on before the end of last season.

Asked why he left Rangers for Lobi, the former Shooting Stars handler said: “It’s just to face a new challenge. I’ve spent two seasons there and I just want to see if I can face a new challenge elsewhere.”

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Last season, Ogunbote secured a CAF Confederation Cup ticket for Rangers after they finished third in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Championship Playoffs in Lagos. However, he stated that playing on the continent was not enough to keep him at the 7-time NPFL winners.

“I think continental slot shouldn’t be a factor for staying back. Before I came to Rangers, to the glory of God, I was the coach that qualified Enyimba for CAF Confederation Cup (in 2017) and I left there for Rangers,” he stated.

“You see; just facing a fresh challenge toughened me and with two seasons with Rangers, one needs to move forward to get a fresh challenge.

“I wish I could stay myself.”