Super Eagles’ new assistant coach, Daniel Ogunmodede says he is excited with the cordial atmosphere rolling through the team’s camp and believes he is already seeing signs of victory in the squad.
Sports247.ng reports that Ogunmodede declared as much during his first interview from the Eagles’ camp in Uyo, ahead of Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic.
The youthful tactician, who is also still the substantive coach of Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) runners-up, Remo Stars of Ikenne, added that he was happy with the warm reception he received on arrival in the national team’s camp.
While predicting that they will also win the next game, which will be away to Rwanda in Kigali, Ogunmodede interjected that he is not too young to be in the national team’s technical crew.
Ogunmodede began by saying, “I’m in my early 40s, but we have top coaches abroad that are 32 years old and doing well with their national teams.
“The coach of Germany is in his early 30s. That’s why I think this is the right time and the best time for me to have this experience.
“It’s going to be a good adventure for me, with good results at the back of my mind, while performing my duty with my utmost dedication.”
He went on to serve a strong hint that there will not be any conflict between him and other new appointees to the technical crew, which is led by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) technical director, Augustine Eguavoen as interim coach.
The tall gaffer assured, “My function and roles are clearly stated, which I will do to the best of my knowledge and enjoy the privilege of being here.
“I was initially home sick, but, thanks to the cordial atmosphere, I’ve been able to adapt in the camp.
“I was most welcomed by the head coach, the backroom staff, officials of the NFF and even the players. The NFF officials are always coming to check on us.
“This has really helped my adaptation go so fast … not taking away the fact that I will still miss everyone at my club.”
Ogunmodede concluded with his predictions for the Eagles’ first two matches in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers – versus Benin Republic in Uyo this Saturday and away to Rwanda on Tuesday.
“I look forward to us winning both ties, because they are very important for our qualification to the next Nations Cup,” the soft-spoken tactician acknowledged.
Sports247.ng reports further that Ogunmodede will work as Eguavoen’s assistant for both matches alongside another rookie, Fidelis Ilechukwu, who handled Rangers International FC of Enugu to top spot in the NPFL last season.
