Fakayejo Paul
IKENNE, OGUN STATE – In a stunning development for the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), Daniel Ogunmodede, the coach who led Remo Stars to their historic 2024/2025 NPFL title, has announced he will no longer continue as the club’s manager, effective immediately.
The decision, reported to be mutual, brings an end to a successful, but increasingly complicated, period for the esteemed coach at the Ikenne-based club.
Title Winner Departs Amidst Early Season Struggles
The timing of the departure is particularly notable given the club’s current standing. Despite their status as reigning champions, Remo Stars find themselves struggling early in the new season, sitting precariously in 17th position in the NPFL table with only 10 points from eight games played (according to the latest standings).
While they have three games in hand over some rivals, the poor start and the club’s failure to secure continental progression this season appear to have fueled the decision for a change in leadership.
Conflict of Commitment: Super Eagles Role a Factor
Ogunmodede’s exit comes just over a year after he signed a three-season contract extension in August 2024, meaning he leaves with two years remaining on his deal. Sources close to the club indicate that a growing conflict between his duties as Remo Stars Head Coach and his role as the Assistant Manager for the Super Eagles has been a major point of friction.
His national team commitments have often required him to miss crucial club games, including a significant part of the pre-season campaign, a factor that ultimately became unsustainable for the club’s executives.
Legacy Secured, Focus Shifts
Daniel Ogunmodede, affectionately known as ‘Ijaball’ for his sleek, possession-based philosophy, achieved legendary status by guiding Remo Stars to their first-ever major trophy—the 2024/2025 NPFL title—a monumental feat for the club and the entire Southwest region of Nigeria.
While his time on the sidelines at Ikenne is over, his focus will now fully shift to his responsibilities with the Nigerian national team, particularly ahead of the upcoming AFCON in Morocco in early 2026.
The search for his successor is expected to begin immediately, with the club urgently seeking a tactician to restore stability and climb the NPFL table.