Enyimba’s Ogunbote wants Rangers’ scalp in Enugu

Enyimba coach, Gbenga Ogunbote has not hidden his desire to lead the Peoples Elephant to a victory in their Matchday 37 fixture of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) at outgoing champions, Enugu Rangers on Sunday.

The Peoples Elephant are in the hunt for a top-three finish as they sit in fourth spot behind leaders Plateau United, MFM FC and Akwa United, and Ogunbote realises how important it will be for his men to grind out the full points at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium where they have managed just two wins in their last 13 travels.

However, Ogunbote knows that the Flying Antelopes can be tough as nails in the Oriental Derby having secured their status in the top division for another season.

The former Shooting Stars and Sunshine Stars’ coach hopes that Rangers would take their feet off the pedals when his team face them after the Enugu club claimed their first win of the season on the road at already relegated Remo Stars.

At the same time, Ogunbote knows that his comments are just wishful thinking, as he branded the Flying Antelopes as no pushovers despite an underwhelming campaign.

“My desire is to win there (at Rangers),” Ogunbote began.

“They (Rangers) might be carried away by their win on the road. This win will motivate us for the game at Rangers. They are no pushovers. We will give it our all, Rangers are a good side and my team are also good. Games between us and them are always tough so we are prepared,” he said.

On Enyimba captain and leading scorer, Mfon Udoh, who has been sidelined by injury since early this month, Ogunbote explained that he hopes the forward will recover in time before their last two league games against Rangers and Katsina United.

“Right now, we will have to wait to know if he will be ready to make a return to the team and feature in matches, our last two matches. So we will wait for new information on him while we prepare for our next game,” Ogunbote said.

He described Udoh as “very important to the team because he is the leader.”