NPFL 25: Folarin Lama Praises Daniel Ogunmodede Over Remo Stars' Impressive Run

NPFL 25: Folarin Lama Praises Daniel Ogunmodede Over Remo Stars' Impressive Run

Precious Oham

Remo Stars' assistant coach, Sulaimon Folarin 'Lama', has expressed deep appreciation for the trust and support he has received from the team’s head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede 'Ijaball'.

According to Lama, his success as an assistant coach is largely due to Ogunmodede’s belief in him and the other coaches.

In a telephone interview, Lama heaped praise on Ogunmodede, acknowledging that his faith in him, his immediate assistant, Yinka Shokabi and other coaches played a key role in the team’s impressive results. 

"We've played 10 matches in the absence of the head coach who was on national duty, and we won 7 while drawing 3. This is a result of Coach Ogunmodede’s trust in me, my immediate assistant, Coach Shokabi and the other coaches."

He further emphasized the motivation within the squad whenever Ogunmodede is away: "Each time Coach Dan is on national team assignment, the assistant coaches and players want to do more. We want to show our love and respect for him, and repay his trust in us."

Despite admitting that working without the charismatic Ogunmodede is challenging, Lama pointed to their strong bond as the driving force behind their success.

"It’s not easy, but the trust and synergy we’ve built for almost three years help a lot. I understand his philosophy, and the results speak for themselves. I doubt any other coach has gone 10 NPFL games unbeaten this season. That shows our level of understanding."

Having worked together for three years, the synergy between the two coaches has been remarkable. This season, Ogunmodede, who is also part of the Nigeria National Team coaching crew, missed 10 NPFL games due to his national assignment with the Super Eagles.

In his absence, Lama, Shokabi and other coaches in the team stepped up—and did so brilliantly, winning 7 games and drawing 3, remaining unbeaten both home and away.