Head Coach of Remo Stars, Daniel Ogunmodede, says he’s not surprised with the outburst of Enugu Rangers handler Fidelis Ilechukwu following their recent meeting in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Afrosport reports.
Ilechukwu had accused the Remo Stars coach of deploying inhuman tactics just to “win at all cost” after the Flying Antelopes fell 2-1 to the Sky Blue Stars in Ikenne on Sunday.
Alex Oyowah put Remo in the lead with his first goal for the club but a penalty from Kenechukwu Agu helped Rangers even the scores. However, the hosts were not going away without a fight as Tochukwu Michael’s thunderous left-footed effort sealed all available points for the Remo.
Time for dinner tonight with some roasted Antelope and Garri Ijebu 🍲 #REMRAN | #NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/YGDzlzgzeE
— Remo Stars Sports Club (@RemoStarsSC) September 29, 2024
While responding to Ilechuwku, who had earlier said he was disappointed in Ogunmodede’s approach to the game, the Remo boss said: “What do you expect from someone who just lost a big game, you expect him to laugh home after a lot of investment and energy? He is a workaholic and he puts a lot of energy into the game”.
“Just like I was sad when we lost in Enugu [last season]. If he is happy, then he is no longer my friend because you have to question his commitment towards his job.
“I was extremely sad when we lost in Enugu, in fact we did not see until I left. But this time, he’s sad, so let him enjoy the sadness”.
The Remo Stars head coach assured that the war of words will not have any negative effect on their friendship and described the former MFM coach as his “best friend”.
The two tacticians will reunite later this month to assist interim Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen when the three-time African Champions file out against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in a double-header in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification series.
Remo remain atop the NPFL standings after matchday four, as the Sky Blue Stars have yet to drop a point this season with four wins from their opening four games.
Meanwhile, Rangers, who are the defending champions, have not started this campaign well with just four points from three games having won one, drawn one, and lost one as they sit in 12th place.
Ogunmodede’s Remo Stars will be in action on Saturday, October 5, when they visit Kwara United, while Ilechukwu and his Rangers side are in action on Wednesday against Bayelsa United in a rescheduled fixture before taking on Abia Warriors on Sunday, October 6, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
