Super Eagles coach wins best manager award ahead of Rwanda and Zimbabwe games

Super Eagles assistant coach Daniel Ogunmodede has expressed his delight after being named the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Manager of the Month for January, ahead of Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Footynaija.com reports.

The highly-rated coach was recognised following a flawless month in charge of league leaders Remo Stars, guiding the Ikenne-based club to two victories from two matches during the period under review.

Remo Stars resumed their campaign after the winter break with a hard-fought 2-1 away win against Akwa United on January 26.

Ogunmodede’s side followed that result with a thrilling 3-2 home victory over Abia Warriors just three days later – a result that solidified their position at the summit of the NPFL table.

Reacting to the award, Ogunmodede took to his social media platform to express his gratitude, writing:

“Honored to be named NPFL Manager of the Month for January. Together we can be better!”

Honored to be named NPFL Manager of the Month for January.

…Together we can be better!

— IJABALL ✍#NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/JODpyX9A0I

— Daniel Ogunmodede .A (@CoachDan_Ijabal) February 28, 2025

The 44-year-old’s tactical acumen and leadership have been pivotal in Remo Stars’ rise to prominence, with the club finishing runners-up in the NPFL in the past two seasons.

While the January accolade bears credence to his growing reputation, Ogunmodede is already among the frontrunners to claim February’s Manager of the Month award.

Remo Stars recorded three wins and two defeats in five outings during the month, including an impressive 2-1 victory over Ahmed Musa’s Kano Pillars – further strengthening their push for a maiden league title.

Ogunmodede’s remarkable rise has not gone unnoticed, with the young tactician earning a place in the Nigeria Institute of Sports Hall of Fame earlier this year for his contributions to the game.

His outstanding work at Remo Stars has also earned him a spot on the Super Eagles’ technical bench as assistant coach to new head coach Eric Chelle.

Daniel Ogunmodede and Eric Chelle addressed the CHAN Eagles. pic.twitter.com/Vo1aIHQ4rW

— @ (@OneJoblessBoy) January 16, 2025

Ogunmodede is expected to bring his tactical expertise and deep knowledge of Nigerian football to the national team’s setup as they prepare to face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in back-to-back 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers later this month.

The games will mark Chelle’s first taste of action since his appointment in January, with Ogunmodede tipped to play a key role in helping the Super Eagles bounce back from their disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign.