Nigerian Football
Former Super Falcons players go back to school
In the on-going CAF C – License Coaching Course in Abuja are 10 former Super Falcons players who form a third of the 30 women coaches in training.
Those involved are: Precious Dede, Joy Jegede, Esther Michael, Maureen Eke, Otas Ogbonmwan, Vera Okolo, Cecilia Nku, Taiwo Ajobiewe, Gloria Ofoegbu and Amenze Aighewi. Some of them already have stint in coaching.
For instance, Precious Dede, a former goalkeeper, had been India U-17 women’s team goalkeeping coach.
Others are following the footsteps of some of their colleagues who in the past had either handled the Super Falcons or being part of the coaching crew. Those in that class include Florence Omagbemi, Uche Eucharia and Ann Agumanu-Chiejine.
The trainee coaches are in the second of a three-module course which will see them becoming coaches.
According to a release from the NFF, the first module, held at the NFF/FIFA Technical Centre, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja held 15th – 25th July, and was followed by a two-week internship at various clubs by the coaches.
“The second module started on Monday, and we are generally impressed by the discipline, dedication and commitment of the coaches to the entire programme,” NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen told thenff.com.
Former Nigeria captain and coach Eguavoen also confirmed that this second module, which will come to a close on Friday, will be followed by another two-week internship from 23rd August to 4th September.
The third module, which comes with examinations for the participants, will run from 9th to 19th September.
Dr. Terry Babatunde Eguaoje, NFF’s Head of Education, is among the coach educators’ team, which also includes Coaches Isah Ladan Bosso, Wemimo Olanrewaju and Lawrence Ndaks.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has extolled the commitment and determination of Remo Stars Foot ball Club on its victory over Niger Tornadoes, describing it as unprecedented feat in the annals of Ogun State.
It would be recalled that the local football team won the first-ever Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title with a 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes on Sunday, April 27.
In so doing, they become the first team in the state to win the Nigerian elite division league since the state was created on 3 February 1976.
Before the current feat, no team from the state had won the national league. The famous Abiola Babes, the rave of the 1980s, won the Challenge Cup in 1985 and 1987.
Governor Abiodun, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, said the team has sustained the inherent first capacity Ogun State is known for, adding that their resilience and perseverance have paid off.
Governor Abiodun added that Remo Stars has consistently pushed for the best with enviable patriotic tendencies since its formation.
He said the level of the team’s dexterity and capacity earned it the 2024-2025 Nigerian Premier Football League title as well as it’s promotion to the elite league four years ago.
The Governor, therefore, implored other local clubs in Nigeria to emulate the degree of resilience and doggedness the team displayed to help in promoting Nigeria’s local league to enviable heights.
“It is my utmost delight that the age-long perseverance and consistency of the Remo Stars Football team have eventually paid off at the national level and to the admiration of every Nigerian, including our amiable President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“As the first privately-owned NPFL champions since 1996, which ceremoniously secured a place in the CAF Champions League, we commend the undiluted and unwavering determination of the players, the coaching formation, and the entire management.
“This is indeed a clear reflection of the profound trait of Ogun State as the first in all areas of success and our all-inclusive policy of transformation as enshrined in our ISEYA mantra,” the statement read.
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The historic feat of Remo Stars, who won their maiden Nigerian Premier League title on the birthday occasion of the club owner, has attracted the attention of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement posted on the State House X handle and signed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Tinubu congratulated Remo Stars Football Club.
He remarked that winning the 2024-2025 Nigerian Premier Football League title is a milestone achievement that spotlights Ikenne and Ogun State.
President Tinubu describes the historic victory, four years after the team’s promotion to the elite league, as a testament to the hard work, discipline, and unyielding spirit of the players, the coaching crew and the management.
He admires the team’s resilience and perseverance, noting their courage in pursuing success despite three previous near misses in the race for the league title.
He hopes their example will inspire other Nigerian clubs to pursue their dreams continuously with tenacity and optimism.
He also commends the vision and commitment of the club’s owner and chairman, Kunle Soname.
His investment in grassroots football—exemplified by the construction of the state-of-the-art stadium in Ikenne—has provided a vital foundation for the growth of sports in Nigeria.
As Nigeria’s champions, Remo Stars have become Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Champions League. President Tinubu urges the team to deploy the same undaunted spirit and focus to win continental honours.
He calls on football fans across Nigeria to rally behind the team as they carry the nation’s hopes onto the African stage.
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The Confederation of African Football, CAF has highlighted on its website, the feat of Remo Stars of Ikenne who on Sunday secured their maiden Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title.
Remo Stars edged Niger Tornadoes 1-0 at the Remo Stars Stadium to write a new chapter in their history.
A late goal from Olamilekan Muhammed Adebayo in the 84th minute proved decisive, sparking celebrations as the Sky-Blue Stars finally got their hands on the prestigious trophy.
The crucial victory moved Remo Stars to 68 points after 35 matches, having recorded 21 wins, five draws, and nine losses.
They hold a commanding 10-point lead over second-placed Rivers United, who sit on 58 points from 16 wins, 10 draws, and nine defeats.
Abia Warriors occupy third place with 56 points, while Ikorodu City are fourth on 53 points as the league campaign approaches its final stages.
A Journey Years in the Making
Founded in 2004 by Kunle Soname under the name FC Dender, Remo Stars have steadily climbed the ranks of Nigerian football over the past two decades.
Their ascent saw them earn promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL) in 2010. However, progress was not always linear.
The club faced relegation from the top flight in 2018 but showed resilience by bouncing back in 2021, securing a place in the NPFL after finishing second in the NNL playoff Group A.
This title triumph marks a historic achievement not just for the club but also for the Southwest region.
Remo Stars are the first club from the region to win the Nigerian top-flight title since Shooting Stars lifted the trophy in 1998.
Looking Ahead
With the NPFL title secured, Remo Stars now turn their attention to preparations for continental football, as they are set to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League.
It is a moment of immense pride for the club’s management, players, and supporters, who have waited patiently for their rise to the summit of Nigerian football.
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