By Baba Mohammed
The coach of Rangers International FC of Enugu, also known as the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Olugbenga Ogunbote has won the Aiteo/NFF Coach-of-the-Year award beating strong contenders, Gernot Rohr of the Super Eagles and Solomon Ogbeide of Lobi Stars for his exploits in the past season.
At the award gala night held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, on Monday, the Ijebu-Ode born tactician polled the highest number of votes to emerge victorious for his first national individual award.
A highly elated Ogunbote who is expected to lead his wards to a re-scheduled NPFL encounter in Katsina, Wednesday against Katsina United said, “It can only be God. I give Him all the praise and thanks just as I appreciate organizers of the awards for nominating me in the first place. The award will only push me to do more in my place of work, Rangers, so that we can conquer again this season. Like I always say, it shall end in praise.”
He thanked the government and people of Enugu state for giving him the opportunity to practice what he loves doing with Rangers just as he poured encomiums on the management, staff, coaches and players of the Enugu side for all the support he got in his first season in charge at the club.
Other award winners on the night are:
Men’s Player of the Year – Ahmed Musa
Women’s Player of the Year – Onome Ebi
Coach of the Year (Male) – Gbenga Ogunbote
Goal of the Season – Ahmed Musa
Coach of the Year (Female) – Thomas Dennerby (Super Falcons Coach)
Young Player of the Year (Male) – Winner: Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal)
Young Player of the Year (Female) – Anam Imo (Nasarawa Amazons)
Fans of The Year: Kano Pillars Fans
Team of The Year: Super Falcons
Fair Play: Akwa United Football Club