Football
Daniel Ogunmodede Reflects on His Super Eagles Experience: "The Only Challenge Was How to Make Nigerians Happy”
Super Eagles Assistant Coach Daniel Ogunmodede shares his experience working with Austin Eguavoen, reflecting on challenges, team unity, and lessons he plans to apply at Remo Stars.
Image Credits: Adekunle Ajayi
Daniel Ogunmodede, Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria and head coach of Remo Stars, shared insights into his experience working alongside Interim Manager Austin Eguavoen in an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.
He discussed the impact of his time with the Super Eagles on his coaching philosophy, the challenges, and memorable moments he encountered, and how he plans to apply the valuable lessons learned to his role at Remo Stars this season.
Working with Eguavoen: 'The Sky Is the Limit'
Coach Daniel Ogunmodede, speaking with great enthusiasm, expressed his joy at joining the team of interim coach Austin Eguavoen.
"Already, it has impacted me in my life and my career,” he told SportsBoom.com.
"I'm so happy to know that my work has been recognized by the Federation, and receiving acknowledgment from a coach like Eguavoen has positively impacted my life positively, confirming that I'm on the right path.”
"I've been doing the right things, and the sky will always be the beginning."
Coach Dan Revels in Learning Experience and Team Unity
Ogunmodede, affectionately known as Coach Dan, reflected on his time with the national team, and how it would impact on his club side. Emphasizing his ongoing learning and growth.
"So much, so much. It’s our national team, don’t forget that.”
"A lot of things have been learnt. To say I haven’t learnt anything would be deceiving myself. I’m open to learning every day; no one is an island of knowledge.”
"No doubt about it, I’ve learnt from Austin Eguavoen and from the top players in camp, and the knowledge, you would gradually see in the coming games from the boys in ikenne.
"Their support has been immense."
The Remo Stars boss acknowledged that he faced no significant challenges in camp, aside from the pressure to make Nigerians happy.
"No challenges, the only challenge is the pressure that we need to make Nigerians happy.
"That is the only challenge I faced: the pressure to ensure my head coach succeed, the federation succeed, and the country succeed."
He also appreciated the camaraderie between the players and the coaching staff, noting that there were no sentiments or segregation.
"I enjoyed the relationship between the players. There was no sentiment; they never segregated us.
"Most importantly, Ekong, the captain of the team, was instrumental to our successful stay. He was very supportive and accommodating.
All the boys were fantastic, and we’re happy that we were able to give our utmost best.
Daniel Ogunmodede
Applying New Knowledge: A Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Regarding how he plans to apply the knowledge gained from the camp to his team in Ikenne, he said the results will become evident over time.
"Like I told you, I'm always open to learning, and no one is a complete learner.”
"It's a continuous process. I’m still young and will improve step by step. What I have learned will show itself going forward."
Thoughts on Coach Eguavoen’s Fake ‘Resignation’
Regarding the news about his head coach, interim manager Austin Eguavoen’s resignation, he shared:
"I had a conversation with my head coach. The simple answer is nothing as such from him.”
"Yeah, Nothing as such from him. We were onboard, we were landing, and the news broke out. How? There was no network. When did he grant the interview?
"For me, I already know. But I don't think there's anything."
As for plans for the new season, the gaffer noted: To continue to enjoy ourselves positively. Get what we deserve. We know what we deserve, and we're going to go for it."
Gbemidepo Popoola, is a freelance Sport Journalist with multiple years of experience in Writing, Reportage and Broadcasting. Gbemidepo's major concentration is telling the local Nigerian Sporting stories, in its own Unique way. This is because he believes, "no one, can tell our story better than ourselves".