Nigeria’s Super Eagles assistant coaches, Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, landed in Turkey on Monday, March 23, 2026.
Their visit comes ahead of international friendly matches against Iran and Jordan, which are part of Nigeria’s preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Both coaches retain their positions despite ongoing internal reviews by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The NFF technical committee has raised concerns about the current backroom staff’s readiness to step into the head coach role if required.
A senior NFF official, speaking anonymously, said:
“Neither of the current assistant coaches is seen as ready to take charge of the Super Eagles at short notice. This has prompted discussions about recruiting more qualified local coaches to strengthen the technical team.”
The federation plans to meet with head coach Eric Chelle in the coming weeks to discuss possible adjustments to the coaching structure.
Ogunmodede’s UEFA B License and NPFL Achievement
Daniel Ogunmodede recently earned a UEFA B coaching licence in Scotland. He led Remo Stars to their first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title in the 2024/2025 season.
Despite this success, Remo Stars have struggled in the current campaign, leading to the appointment of former Super Eagles assistant Usman Abdallah as the club’s head coach.
Ilechukwu’s Domestic Success
Fidelis Ilechukwu continues to impress in the domestic league, guiding Enugu Rangers as strong title contenders this season. His performance has kept him in the national team setup while contributing to the development of Nigerian football talent.
The arrival of Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu signals the NFF’s commitment to preparing the team for future competitions. The upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan will test both players and coaches, providing insights into squad depth and technical readiness.
