By Amaechi Agbo

He is arguably one of the finest coaches that Nigeria has produced. He has impacted and still impacting Nigeria football, footballers and administration.

He has guided clubs to victories, triumphs and successes. His most recent was with Rangers International FC of Enugu who he lead to conquer the FA cup glory (Aiteo Cup) in 2018.

The 55-year old is currently in charge of Lobi Stars who are the league leaders right now.

The 55-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Markudi outfit in July 2019 and there is no gain saying the fact that the management cannot let their priced assent leave at the end of the season

Calm, tactical, humble coach Ogunbote guided Rangers to a third-place finish at the 2018/19 NPFL Championship playoffs and also clinched a Confederations Cup spot for the former league winners, but opted to move on after talks over an extension at the club fell through.

He took over from interim coach Evan Ogenyi, who led Lobi to a fifth-place finish last season.

During his two-year spell at Rangers, Ogunbote won his first ever silverware in two decades as a coach when he guided the Flying Antelopes to their maiden Aiteo Cup title in 35 years, defeating Kano Pillars 4-2 on penalties after regulation time ended 3-3 in 2018.
He masterminded one of the greatest comeback in Nigeria football history when he rally Rangers from 3-0 down in Aiteo Cup final to a 3-3 regulation time scoreline.

Today, Nigerians and indeed the world at large stand in awe and admiration of this great man, Gbenga Ogunbote.

Ogunbote had coached several clubs like Sunshine Stars, Shooting Stars, Enyimba and Giwa FC.

His over two decade in the dugout has seen him manage such teams as Sunshine Stars – 2012: Shooting Stars – 2012–2016: Enyimba International 2016–2017;
Enugu Rangers 2017–2019 and
Lobi Stars – 2019 – till date.

Born on this day in 1965 in Kebbi State, the all of us at Best Choice Media, publisher of Bestchoicesports.com.ng wish Coach Gbenga Ogunbote happy birthday and blessed years ahead.