- Ogunmodede chose to pursue a career in coaching rather than medicine
- His transition to coaching was prompted by an appendix operation
- The young coach led Remo Stars to a second-place finish in the NPFL and secured a spot in the CAF Champions League
Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen has brought on board two top Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) coaches, Fidelis Ilechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede, as his assistants for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Ilechukwu, who recently led Enugu Rangers to an NPFL title, and Ogunmodede, who successfully steered Remo Stars into continental competition, will lend their expertise to the national team.
TheRadar has curated a list of 15 intriguing facts about Daniel Ogunmodede that showcase his remarkable journey in football coaching.
15 facts about Ogunmodede
1. Destined for medicine, chose football
Daniel Ogunmodede was initially set to become a medical doctor, following his father's wishes. However, his passion for football led him to pursue a coaching career instead.
2. Academic background
Ogunmodede holds two degrees: one in Physiology from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, and another in Human Kinetics from the University of Ilorin. This makes him one of the most well-read coaches in Nigerian football.
3. Transition to coaching
His coaching journey began after an appendix operation cut short his dreams of playing football professionally. The medical advice was clear, he could not engage in rigorous physical activity, including football.
4. Early coaching education
Daniel earned his first coaching badge at the National Institute of Sports in Nigeria, thanks to a scholarship from the late Baba Olayinka, chairman of Crown FC. He further honed his coaching skills in Portugal.
5. Inspiration from elite coaches
Ogunmodede’s coaching philosophy, known as "Ijaball," is influenced by top coaches like Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp, and Pep Guardiola. His style blends Mourinho's discipline, Klopp's pressing, and Guardiola's ball-retention tactics.
6. Overcame health challenges
His football career as a player ended prematurely due to health issues. An appendix operation and subsequent medical advice not to play football led him to channel his passion into coaching instead.
7. First coaching breakthrough
His first significant break came when Baba Olayinka, late chairman of Crown FC noticed his coaching potential during a pre-season game and offered him a scholarship to pursue coaching certification. This opportunity paved the way for his career.
8. "Ijaball" coaching philosophy
Ogunmodede’s unique coaching style, "Ijaball," is a proactive, possession-based approach. It shows the influences of several elite coaches, combined with his footballing ideas and philosophies.
9. Success in the Nigerian league
In his first season as head coach of Remo Stars, Ogunmodede led the team to a second-place finish in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), narrowly missing out on the title.
10. Continental qualification
Under his guidance, Remo Stars qualified for the CAF Champions League, an applaudable achievement for a team that had only recently qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup in the previous season.
11. Mentorship and influence
Ogunmodede is passionate about mentoring younger coaches, drawing from his own experiences working under top Nigerian coaches like Godfrey Esu, Lawrence Akpokona, and Ganiu Salami.
12. Driven by youthful success
He is inspired by young coaches like Andre Villas-Boas, who won the Europa League at the age of 33. This drives Ogunmodede to achieve similar success in his coaching career.
13. Focus on building Nigerian football
Daniel is dedicated to improving the coaching system in Nigeria, aiming to make it more lucrative and respected. He hopes to leave a legacy that makes it easier for future coaches to succeed.
14. Balancing career and family
Despite the demands of his coaching career, Ogunmodede makes time for his family. He credits his supportive wife for helping him balance his professional and personal life.
15. Future ambitions
Ogunmodede’s long-term goals include winning the CAF Champions League with a Nigerian club and eventually coaching at the World Cup. He also dreams of coaching a top European club, despite the challenges black coaches face in Europe.
CAF Champions League: Enugu Rangers return, Remo Stars face tough Moroccan test
Previously, TheRadar reported that Nigerian league champions Rangers International and Remo Stars are set to compete in the CAF Champions League, while Enyimba and Elkanemi Warriors will represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Over the past two years, the CAF Executive has made substantial investments in African club football. The prize money for the CAF Champions League winners has been raised to $4,000,000, a significant increase from the $2,500,000 that Wydad Casablanca received for winning the 2022 final.
