Coaching the Coaches: NPLCMA/AMAPRO’s Ikenne Training Elevates Tactical Standards

 

The serene town of Ikenne in Ogun State played host to an impactful gathering of elite football minds as the Nigeria Premier League Club Managers Association, NPLCMA held its Advanced Technical and Tactical Training/Workshop between June 25th and 28th, 2025. 

The event attracted top football coaches from clubs across the country, seeking to refresh their tactical understanding and embrace new dimensions in modern football coaching.

Jointly packaged by AMAPRO and Phreestyle Sport Limited, the three-day intensive training session featured renowned resource persons who brought with them a wealth of knowledge and experience. 

The sessions were designed to expose participants to global best practices and the evolving methodologies in the art and science of coaching.

The event was a grand affair, graced by top dignitaries in Nigerian football. Among them were the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau; his Vice President, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye; and the Head of Technical at the NFF, Augustine Eguavoen. 

Also present were football investor and philanthropist, Honourable Kunle Soname, President of NPLCMA, Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, as well as other key stakeholders.

In his welcome address, Coach Gbenga Ogunbote expressed profound appreciation to members of the Association for taking time out of their schedules to attend the training. 

He emphasized the importance of continuous learning, stating that the workshop was not only a refresher but also a platform to align with new vistas and innovations in coaching.

In his remarks, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau commended the NPLCMA for the initiative, describing the workshop as timely and progressive. 

He assured the Association of the Federation’s willingness to support similar future initiatives aimed at raising coaching standards in the country.

NFF Vice President and Chairman of Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL board, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye, also praised the organizers and called for synergy between the NPFL and the NPLCMA. 

Honourable Kunle Soname encouraged the continuity of such capacity-building efforts, noting that coaching development is key to achieving football excellence at both club and national levels.

The first day of the workshop featured engaging presentations that sparked vibrant discussions. 

Mohammed ElBadary kicked things off with a lecture on "Scientific Approaches to Coaching,” challenging participants to embrace data and evidence-based strategies. 

Augustine Eguavoen followed with a rousing presentation on "Leadership and Our National Philosophy," highlighting the need for identity and direction in coaching Nigerian teams.

Coach Monday Odigie delivered a well-received session on the concepts of GRIP and GAG—modern acronyms in coaching circles—explaining how they align with player management and tactical discipline. 

The day concluded with an open-floor technical exchange session, allowing coaches to share experiences and learn from one another.

Day Two continued in the same rich vein, Shogo Shodunnke, Director of AMAPRO and Phreestyle Sport Limited, gave an insightful talk on "Communication and Relationship in Modern Coaching," where he emphasized emotional intelligence, media handling, and team cohesion. The day was rounded off with practical sessions and another round of technical exchanges.

The final day brought a highlight moment as the newly appointed Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, took participants through a deep dive into "Modernized Coaching Tactics and Adaptation of Training." 

His session was interactive and forward-looking, providing attendees with tactical insights from elite-level football.

The workshop ended on a high note, with participants leaving Ikenne inspired and better equipped to face the tactical demands of modern football. 

The success of the event reinforces the NPLCMA’s commitment to excellence and sets a new benchmark for coaching development programs in Nigeria.

Fatai Osho reveals ASVO FC plans ahead of Shooting Stars' clash at Optima Energy Gold Cup

 

Technical Adviser of Association Sportive de la Vallée de l'Ouémé (ASVO) FC, Fatai Osho has assured that his side will give its best shots against Shooting Stars of Ibadan. 

Osho revealed his pre-match routine ahead of Thursday's Optima Energy Gold Cup semi-final against the Oluyole Warriors at the Remo Stars International Stadium, Ikenne by 3pm. 

"I'm impressed with the transition in my team, coming from an opening day defeat to a draw and a win in the final group game," he told Optima Energy Gold Cup preseason tournament Media Channel. 

"But, we can't be ignorant of the fact that we still have a whole lot of work to do, to make the team better.  Having a contest with Shooting Stars in the semi-final will help us as a team, as the Oluyole Warriors will expose our weaknesses and strengths, and on our part, we'll be ambitious. 

"Once a team is in the semi-final of any tournament and has the chance to win it, then such a team must give its best shot. That ASVO FC will do, as we want to have another test with defending champions Beyond Limits in the final if both teams qualify. 

"We are looking forward to the Optima Energy Gold Cup final, as there's always a first time. In the last week of intense training and looking at the work rate of players in the matches we have played coming this far, I am highly encouraged. So playing in the final on Saturday will be an icing on the cake for us. 

"My assistants and I will prepare the team mentally for Shooting Stars and with a mindset that anything is quite possible."

On his team's progress in the preseason tournament, "It has been one with mixed emotions but a good one for the team, as finishing the final game against Kasam FA with a win and with 10-man, said a lot about the team. 

"In our first game against Beyond Limits, we started badly, the conditioning was not there, and we then had to work extra hard on the players, so that they could be able to compete, that's was has manifested in the team as they can now play better with the ball as a unit and execute my tactical instructions on the pitch. 

"The fitness level of my players is gradually coming up, as this is the only time we can overload them in training and still ask them to play. 

On his no-show in the dugout, " It is deliberate. It's a preseason tournament, and I want my assistants to do much of the job on the touchline while I watch calmly and jot on my notes the key things I see about my players during matches."

Osho, a former coach of Akwa United, has assured ASVO FC fans that they will see his 'Sugar Ball' when the Beninoise season kicks off. 

"No doubt about it, we are going to be good in that area, my free-flowing football. Practically, we have just two weeks to work as a unit, and to have a team, where you can have players that can pass the ball to each other with their eyes closed, would need time."

Ogunbote wants Ogunjobi Gold Cup title to boost Remo Stars' pedigree

Gbenga Ogunbote says he has no special plans for Shooting Stars in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup final, that he could name an unchanged team as the aim is win the trophy on Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium.

The Oracle who won the tourney as Sharks FC of Port-Harcourt gaffer said, "That we have defeated a former defending champion of the pre-season, Tornadoes is gain saying that Remo Stars deserve to be champions too.

"However, meeting Shooting Stars in the final makes it a difficult one but Remo Stars will go into the the game like it has done in the other games it has played."

Asked if he would name a different team against the Oluyole Warriors, like he did against Tornadoes.

"I have made use of 28 players in the tournament, I may decide to or not to rotate my starting team against 3SC."

Regarding his team's hard fought victory over Tornadoes in Thursday's semi-final, "Forget about our result against Tornadoes, they were a worthy opponents against us in the semi-finals.

"Am looking at the strength of my team, so we played against an NPFL side and you can see the quality they gave to Remo Stars. It's a good one for my players and it's going to boost their confidence level as we go into the new domestic league season.

"We are not going to be carried away by the victories he have recorded in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, the loop holes we noticed in the course of our matches, I want to assure that we will also proffer solutions to them."

Recall ABS FC of Ilorin are the defending champions after they stung Gombe United 3-2 at the last edition in Ilorin.

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Freestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Remo Stars break seven year jinx, secure Ogunjobi Gold Cup final slot

Remo Stars broke their seven years jinx in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup in style as they are through to their first finals after they defeated Niger Tornadoes in one of the semi-final games of the pre-season tournament at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

It was an action packed encounter that saw two super strikes from free-kicks as the Sky Blues Stars coming behind to win the game 2-1 at half-time.

Tornadoes, a former champion of the tournament drew first blood as they took the lead in the 8th minute.

Goalkeeper Kayode Bankole of Remo Stars was left helpless after Abubakar Ansaru scored from a sublime free-kick at the edge of  the box to increase his goal tally in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup to two.

Six minutes later, the Sky Blues Stars brought even the scoreline after captain fantastic 

Nduka Junior scored a beauty from a set-piece. It was Nduka's second goal from free-kick as he scored in same fashion against MFM FC.

 In the 23rd minute, Tornadoes had goalkeeper George Michael to thank after he forced off a save from Dayo Ojo's rocket from 25yards to keep the score at 1-1.

Tornadoes were then punished for their sloppy defending in the 38th minute and gifted Tolu Ojo his second goal in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup.

The attacking midfielder quickly made the most of the error to shoot into the net Remo Stars second goal. 

Coach Gbenga Ogunbote who won the Ogunjobi Gold Cup with Sharks FC of Port-Harcourt will be hoping to lead Remo Stars to their first triumph in the tournament as they could go head-to-head with either of Shooting Stars or MFM FC in the final billed for Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Freestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Ogunjobi Gold Cup: Ogunbote speaks on Remo Stars' plans ahead of Tornadoes clash

 

After defeating FC Yobo to qualify for Thursday's semi-finals, Gbenga Ogunbote says his Remo Stars will be at it's best against Niger Tornadoes.

The 'Oracle' of NPFL in his post-match media chat said, "For me, the semi-final game against Tornadoes is like the other games we have played as we are still building a team.

" The tourney has been of help to the team as things are taking shape gradually. Mistakes are bound to be made during matches and in between, we are equally training with a view of correcting blunders made by the players.

"The target of every coach in a pre-season tourney is to win matches and know the depth of his team. We know little about Tornadoes having defeated them a few weeks ago. 

"It's a game we want to win and also play in the finals of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, so we should do our best just as we have done in the previous matches."

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Freestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Remo Stars unveil Gbenga Ogunbote as new Head Coach

Newly promoted Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL side, Remo Stars Sports Club have announced one of the veterans in Nigerian football coaching system, Gbenga Ogunbote as the new Head Coach of the club.

Gbenga Ogunbote fondly known as 'The Oracle' signed a year deal with the club to take over from former coach, Daniel Ogunmodede who led the team back into the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL.

The Oracle who has been into coaching for decades formerly tutored fellow southwest clubs like Gateway United, Shooting Stars Sports Club, 3SC and Sunshine Stars of Akure.

He was also in charge of former League Champions, Rangers International when the Flying Antelopes came from three goals down to beat Kano Pillars to the AITEO Cup crown in 2018.

Speaking with RSFC Media, Ogunbote said he is proud and happy to have joined Remo Stars FC and he his hoping to take the club to higher levels.

"I am very proud and happy to have joined Remo Stars, I hope to help the team to the level at which the club wants to ascertain."

"We have an ambition this season, before now the club has decided to maintain their stay in the NPFL which is my desire too but I will be so grateful if we go on to win the league or probably get a slot in any of the CAF competitions."

In the same vein, the Chief Executive Officer of Remo Stars, Mr. Lukmon Ogungbefun welcomed Gbenga Ogunbote to the club and  promised to support him to the fullest in achieving greatness for the club.

"I welcome Coach Gbenga Ogunbote to Remo Stars and I promise on behalf of the management that we will support him to the fullest."

"We want to ensure we remain in the league hence the appointment of Coach Ogunbote and we are optimistic that he will lead the team to greater heights."

Remo Stars gained promotion back to elite division at the just concluded NNL playoffs held in Enugu alongside Niger Tornadoes, Shooting Stars and Gombe United. 

Rangers, IfeanyiUbah share spoils in Oriental derby clash

The little over four thousand spectators that thronged the Ifeanyiubah International stadium on Ozubulu road, Nnewi, Anambra state for the NPFL Match Day 18 fixture between host’ FC Ifeanyiubah and guests, Rangers International F.C went home with satisfaction despite the tie ending on a barren note.

Rangers deepen Sunshine's woes in Akure

It was a much improved performance for the former NPFL champions, Rangers International F.C in the Match Day 11 fixture against host’s, Sunshine Stars inside Akure Township stadium as they were forced to a 1-1 draw.

Ogunbote calls for more live games in NPFL

Technical Adviser of Rangers International F.C, Enugu, Coach Olugbenga Ogunbote has called for live coverage of Nigeria Professional Football (NPFL) matches to ensure sanity.

Ogunbote promises better season for Rangers despite Akwa loss

Technical Adviser of Enugu Rangers International FC, Gbenga Ogunbote, has re-assured the club’ numerous admirers of his resolve to take the team to the continent next season after his wards succumbed to a 2-0 loss in the hands of Akwa United FC as the 2017/2018 NPFL season kicked off at the weekend.

MFM's fire too hot for Enyimba

Stephen Odey's 24th minute strike earned Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club a point against seven-time Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba International FC in a Matchday 13 fixture played at the UJ Esuene Stadium on Saturday evening in Calabar.

NPFL Match Preview: Enyimba Int'l vs MFM FC

Seven-time Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba International FC will host Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries FC in one of the Matchday 13 fixtures of the Nigerian top league which will be decided at the UJ Esuene Stadium on Saturday (today) in Calabar.

Tornadoes striker passes fitness test for Enyimba's visit

Niger Tornadoes leading goal scorer Chidebere Blessiung Ajoku has been certified fit by the club’s medics to play Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) week 8 match against Enyimba FC of Aba.

Gold Cup: Crown Pip Enyimba, Throws Group B Open

Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Crown Football Club pip seventh-time Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba Football Club 1-0 at the 4th edition of Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament in Ijebu-Ode on Tuesday evening.

Gold Cup; Enyimba, Remo Stars Game Abandoned

...... Points awarded to Remo Stars

Enyimba International FC game against Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL) newcomers Remo Stars FC was abandoned after the People’s Elephant walked off the pitch.

Gold Cup: Remo Stars Game ‘ll be tough - Gbenga Ogunbote

Head coach of Enyimba International FC of Aba, technical crew, Gbenga Ogunbote, has predicted a tough fixture against newly promoted Nigeria Professional Football League side, Remo Stars Football Club.

Federation Cup: Rotimi's Heroic Power Rivers United Past Shooting Stars

Sunday Rotimi saved two penalties in a nervous penalty shootout as Rivers United progressed to the quarter finals of the Federation Cup on Wednesday following a 3-2 penalty victory over Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC). 

Federation Cup Preview: Rivers United Expects Shooting's Tough Challenge

 

Rivers United will continue their quest to win the 2016 Federation Cup on Wednesday with a potentially difficult round of 32 contest against another Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) club, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) on Wednesday.