Remo Stars coach and Super Eagles assistant Daniel Ogunmodede has promised full support for head coach Eric Chelle despite Nigeria’s poor showing at the 2024 CHAN tournament.
Ogunmodede and Enugu Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu handled the Super Eagles B during the CHAN qualifiers, but before the finals, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appointed Chelle, the main Super Eagles coach, to take charge. Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu were moved to assistant roles.
The change has not produced results. Nigeria lost their opening game 1-0 to Senegal, conceding from a lucky goal, before collapsing 4-0 to Sudan in their second match. The heavy defeat confirmed their early exit from the competition, with one group game still to play.
The NFF’s decision to put Chelle in charge has faced strong criticism. Reports suggest Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu have had little influence on the team despite their experience with home-based players.
Still, Ogunmodede insists he stands by Chelle.
“Many people expect me to say negative things about my head coach because we are not doing well at CHAN 2024,” he told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana. “I will never do that. I am his assistant, and I accepted the job. I stand with him and I sink with him. That is what loyalty and professionalism are about.”
Nigeria will play their final CHAN group game against Congo next Tuesday, but the result will not affect either team’s chances.
After CHAN, Chelle’s next big test will be in September during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa — matches that Nigeria must win to avoid serious consequences. Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu are expected to remain part of the coaching staff.