Remo Stars head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede has expressed his views on the recent controversy involving the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Victor Osimhen and Finidi George.

Ogunmodede, 44, who led Remo Stars to a second-place finish in the league, missing out on the title by just five points, described the situation as a “total disgrace” and criticized the lack of respect for local coaches.

In an exclusive interview with Brila Media, Ogunmodede stated, “It’s a total disgrace to the coaching profession and an affront to the dignity of local coaches.

Remo Stars head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede. Photo | The Whistler Newspaper

“Perhaps they wouldn’t have done such to a foreign coach. It’s evident that local coaches are merely being used as stopgaps.”

He added, “In the first place if he is worth taking a risk on why not leave him to see where it ends before you embarrassed him out. For me it’s a total disappointment and disgrace.”

Ogunmodede also addressed the broader issue of disrespect towards local coaches from fans, players, and administrators.

“We have never had an atom of belief in ourselves, and that is rather unfortunate. Maybe we need to do more, but the question is, how much has the system tried to support us?”

He lamented the prevailing situation: “Unfortunately, we just look down on local coaches. If given a chance, Nigeria might prefer to go to a competition without a coach rather than with a local coach. That shows the level of disrespect.”

Regarding the Osimhen and Finidi saga, Ogunmodede remarked, “What Osimhen did was wrong. I respect him as a player and what he gives anytime he wears the Super Eagles jersey but he shouldn’t have stooped so low.

“In no way will I accept that from a player too. Mind you he will never do that to a foreign coach, that is part of the disrespect I’m talking about.”

Ogunmodede also criticized the administration for their silence, saying, “They haven’t addressed it because they don’t respect us.

“If it was a foreign coach, they would have issued a statement by now. Nevertheless, they are in the best position to intervene. For the sake of our nation’s image, both parties need to find a lasting solution.”