Daniel Ogunmodede

Daniel Ogunmodede (born 19 May 1980) is a Nigerian professional football manager who is the head coach of Nigeria Premier Football League club Kano Pillars and an assistant manager for the Nigeria national football team. From 2021 to 2022, Ogunmodede was the assistant coach of Portuguese club CD Feirense under Rui Ferreira.

Early life and education Born in Ogun State, Nigeria, Ogunmodede spent his early years looking to become a medical doctor, per his father's wishes.

Coaching career Early career Ogunmodede initially pursued a career in football, but an appendix operation prevented him from reaching the professional level. Following medical advice, he discontinued playing to avoid serious health risks. Chief Olagbenro subsequently granted him a scholarship to pursue coaching training at Nigeria's National Institute of Sports, with the arrangement that he would complete an internship at the club upon earning his coaching certificate. Although Chief Olagbenro passed away before the program was completed, the late chairman's wishes were honoured, and the opportunity for the internship was still provided.

On 26 September 2016, the Remo Stars senior team earned promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League for the first time in their history, with Ogunmodede serving as assistant coach.

Remo Youth He led the Remo youth team to second place in the Metro League in Lagos and the final of the Ogun State FA Cup.

In 2016, the club established its youth academy system and appointed Ogunmodede as its head. His role expanded in 2020 when he became the club's inaugural Director of Youth Football Development, which ultimately contributed to the formation of Beyond Limits F.A.

First senior managerial role In 2020, Ogunmodede was put in charge of the Remo Stars senior team.

CD Feirense In 2021, Ogunmodede was appointed as assistant manager under Rui Ferreira at CD Feirense. He led them to back-to-back second placed finishes in the top flight, in 2023 and 2024.

On 27 April 2025, Ogunmodede led Remo Stars to their first ever Nigeria Premier Football League title. They became the first South-West club to win the title since 2000 when Julius Berger won it.

Joining Kano Pillars On Friday, 3 July 2026, Kano Pillars completed the signing of Daniel Ogunmodede on a two‑year deal.

Manager profile

Tactics Ogunmodede's coaching philosophy, termed "IjaBall", incorporates tactical elements drawn from the methodologies of José Mourinho, Jürgen Klopp, and Pep Guardiola. His preferred formation is 5-3-2.

Ijaball is a proactive possession style of football. I derived the mentality from the many years of experience I have had with different coaches I worked with. I have worked with some of the best coaches in the country. I learnt from them and mixed it with my ideology and at the end it resulted to Ijaball. Daniel Ogunmodede, Punch NIS Hall of Fame: 2025