25 Years After: Ijaball’s triumph against all odds brought the NPFL football title back to the Southwest.

Courage is the first of human virtues because it makes all others possible. —Aristotle

Coach Ogunmodede has remained consistent as the top coach in the Nigerian league, and it was not surprising that he led Remo Stars to an outstanding season to emerge as champions.

The win extends beyond Remo Stars itself, as it brings an end to a quarter-century drought without a league title for the Southwest region.

Ijaball made history, becoming the first southwest club manager to win the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in 25 years since Julius Berger claimed the title in 2000.

For Daniel Ogunmodede Ijaball, it wasn’t just a title triumph. It was a journey of years in the making, sealed.

His burning belief that a team from Ikenne, Southwest, could go toe-to-toe with the heavyweights from everywhere else.

Behind the trophy and the celebrations, though, lies something deeper. The relentless culture he built, the quiet tactical tweaks season after season, and the human connection that turned promise into steel.

Nigeria Premier League history, when passed down to posterity, will not be complete without the tale of a man who relentlessly strove to succeed and bring back the glory of NPFL to the southwest.

—- Adesina O. (Prestige)