“We didn’t want the world to know,” Remo’s coach Ogunmodede reveals the truth behind their last win

• Remo Stars coach Daniel Ogunmodede has urged his team to take another step toward winning their first-ever NPFL title as they prepare to face Nasarawa United
• Remo Stars capitalised on 3SC’s 2-2 draw against Lobi Stars by securing a crucial 2-0 win over Kwara United
• Having come close in the last two seasons, Remo Stars are determined to finally clinch their first NPFL title

The battle for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title has reached a crucial stage, and league leaders Remo Stars are determined to maintain their dominance. 

Head coach Daniel Ogunmodede has urged his players to take another giant step toward securing their first-ever league title as they prepare to face Nasarawa United in an important match-day 26 fixture on Wednesday, February 26.

With 51 points and a commanding 10-point lead over closest challengers 3SC, the Ikenne-based club is on the brink of history. 

Ogunmodede’s side took advantage of 3SC’s 2-2 home draw against Lobi Stars last week by responding with a crucial 2-0 victory over Kwara United, extending their lead at the top. Now, another win on the road could all but seal their title ambitions.

Ogunmodede demands more from his team

After the win against Kwara United, Ogunmodede praised his team’s performance, calling it one of their best displays of the season. 

However, he made it clear that the job is far from finished,

“One of the best games we have played so far. We played well and in the end, we fought everything to get what we wanted,” Ogunmodede said. 

“Did we arrive at 51 points? The next game is to arrive at 54! Can we? Are we going to do that?” he asked his players, who responded in unison with a resounding “Yes.”

Ogunmodede ready to take advantage of struggling Nasarawa 

Their upcoming opponents, Nasarawa United, are presently struggling with their form. The Lafia-based club sits in the relegation zone with just 27 points and has managed only one win in their last five matches. Ogunmodede acknowledged their struggles and hinted at using them to Remo Stars’ advantage,

“It’s possible, we can take advantage of their situation,” he stated confidently.

Despite their strong position at the top, Ogunmodede admitted that his side was under immense pressure heading into their last match against Kwara United. 

The coach revealed that his team was well aware of 3SC’s earlier result and didn’t want to let the opportunity slip,

“We were tense before the game after we heard the result of 3SC. We played under severe pressure and we didn’t want the world to know. The boys didn’t show that sign too, but we were unlucky not to have buried our chances. We hit the crossbar on about two occasions in the first half,” he revealed.

Ogunmodede aims for historic title

Remo Stars have been close to winning the NPFL title in the past two seasons. They lost on goal difference to Enyimba in 2023 and finished second behind Rangers International last season. This time, they are determined to finally break the jinx.

With the title race still open until the final weeks, Ogunmodede insists that his team must remain focused,

“The focus presently is the next match. For the title, it’s till the end of the season,” he concluded.

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.