NPFL: Ogunbote, Ogunbodede clash in southwest derby

Match-day three of the 2022/23 Nigeria Professional Football League will be wrapped up on Wednesday (today) with a southwest derby between Remo Stars and 3SC in Ikenne, which will see coaches of the two sides; Daniel Ogunbodede and Gbenga Ogunbote clash in the league for the first time, The PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Remo Stars and 3SC have opposing results going into the game today and the personalities as well as relationship between their coaches add to the potential rivalry between the two clubs.

Ogunbote, 3SC gaffer, was involved in this fixture last season, but he was in charge of Remo Stars, where he oversaw a victory in Ikenne and also earned a point away at Ibadan in the reverse fixture. Both games however didn’t go without the fans of both clubs having a spat.

This season, Ogunbote is now in charge of the Oluyole Warriors after leading Remo to a continental spot last term and he needs a result in this game to show signs of rejuvenation after picking up just two points in the opening two games of the season.

“There are no emotions attached in this job. Last season I had a job with Remo and I did it, so, this time around I have a job with 3SC and my responsibility is to get results for my team,” Ogunbote said.

Remo coach Ogunbodede, who stepped aside for further studies after gaining promotion for Remo last season, is back in the dugout and has marked his return with two wins already.

“Coach Ogunbote is a senior colleague and a father figure to me. I have much respect for him but I am not going to allow any emotion. I only want to do my job and get what I want. So, I am not trying to use my heart to play, I am trying to use my head,” Ogunbodede told our correspondent.

“The only thing going through my mind is getting the three points from the match. Nothing good comes easy and there is no cheap opponent. We are going to fight to get all the three points against Shooting Stars.”

After two matches already this season, Remo are second with six points in Group A of the abridged league, while 3SC are seventh with two points from as many games.