PLAYERS of Rangers International Football Club Enugu on Tuesday hailed Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Aiteo Company for recognising Coach Olugbenga Ogunbote’s tremendous achievements and emerged the Nigerian Coach of the Year (Male).

Some of the players, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu, said that the coach deserved the award for his achievements with the club last year.

Ogunbote downed the Super Eagles of Nigerian Coach, Gernot Rorh and Lobi Stars’ Coach Solomon Ogbeide to win the diadem.

Adun Osamudiamen, Rangers midfielder expressed joy that his coach was at last recognised for his achievements in 2018.

He noted that Ogunbote came into Rangers and lifted the NFF/Aiteo Cup in a dramatic style and also reached Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederation Cup group stage.

“This award came at the right time because it will make the coach to work harder and also put the players on alert toward our continental ticket chase.

“Behind every success, there is somebody behind it and we believe in ourselves, what we can do with hard work, ‘’ he said.

The Club Goalkeeper, Femi Thomas, said that the award was a good one and that when they heard about it at home, that they were all happy.

“The coach of the year award means that our technical crew is getting it right and I know he will dedicate the award to his colleagues in the crew.

“Beside, I do not know that Nigerians are watching and for recognising his efforts and success all this while, Nigerians have done well.

“I give glory to God and believe that we will keep working hard as a team to support him to achieve more’’, he said.

Thomas noted that it was hard work and team work that had been seeing the club through difficulties.

“Breaking a record is not easy and is not by you playing or coaching the national team. Ogunbote broke record of Rangers not winning Federation Cup for years.

“He followed it up with a good outing at the continental league. He always worked as if he never worked before and prayed as never before and that is Ogunbote for you,’’ Thomas said.

Earlier, the Club Media Officer, Norbert Okolie, said that the coach truly deserves the award.

“Going by his achievements in the league and the continent for the past one year and breaking a jinx in Rangers within the year,’’ Okolie said.

He called on the coach not to relent as the journey for his upliftment has just begun. (NAN)

– Apr. 2, 2019 @ 11:55 GMT |