Football
"Playing Against Moroccans Alone, You’d See a Lot of Intimidation From The Fans": Captain, Junior Nduka on Remo Stars' Continental Debacle
Remo Stars Captain Junior Nduka reflects on the team’s unity, continental setbacks, and the dream of lifting the Nigeria Premier Football League title. Amid challenges, his leadership aims to push the team towards national and African football success.
Adekunle Ajayi/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Remo Stars Captain Junior Nduka opened up about his team's ambitions, leadership challenges, and the dream of lifting the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title.
With fierce determination, he reflects on continental disappointments, the drive to improve, and lessons learned on the African stage.
Building a Team of Resilience
After a string of solid performances in the league, Remo Stars Captain Junior Nduka reflects on what’s brought his team so far.
“We as a team came together and with one voice agreed on what we wanted,” Nduka revealed to SportsBoom. “That’s what’s been pushing us up till this moment. We’ve been working tirelessly and relentlessly to ensure our targets are met.”
The team’s unity and shared vision have fueled their rise in the NPFL standings, and with Nduka leading, they remain committed to reaching new heights.
Handling Continental Setbacks
Sitting second on the league table, Remo Stars has also faced tough challenges on the continental stage, with back-to-back exits.
Reflecting on the experience, Nduka says, “We fell down from a horse doesn’t mean we wouldn’t ride it again. It is football; it is what it is.”
He shares that while the setbacks were difficult, they have only strengthened the team’s resolve.
We pick up our pieces and keep moving, keep striving. Because we definitely know that one day it’s going to get better. We’re going to do better, together as a team and as individuals.
Junior Nduka
Leading Through Tough Times
As captain, Nduka has taken on the responsibility of lifting his teammates through challenging periods, ensuring morale remains high.
“We had a target for ourselves, and we stay disciplined,” he notes. “There have been a lot of disagreements within the players on the field, but that doesn’t mean we are not teammates. We just need to disagree to agree, come back, and everyone speaks with one voice.”
He emphasizes the importance of constructive criticism among teammates. “Even I, as a captain, get corrected by the well-experienced Anaemena. I talk back at him, tell him what to do, and the same with Sikiru Alimi,” he shares.
“It doesn’t mean we are not teammates; we speak as one team, as individuals. These are the things that keep us going, maintaining morale and focus on our goals.”
Bridging the Gap in African Competitions
Nduka acknowledges that Remo Stars’ performance in the NPFL and on the continental stage has shown a noticeable gap, one he believes they can close with time and adjustment.
On the continent, it’s a different ball game. Playing in the NPFL is different too, but we’ll see to it and make adjustments to be more competitive in African football as a whole.
Junior Nduka
Lessons from Leadership and Vision for the Club
The captaincy has also shaped Nduka’s vision for Remo Stars, and he’s committed to seeing the club compete on the African stage consistently. “We want to play on the continent always; it brings more respect to the club,” he says proudly.
He’s aware of the hurdles, particularly in the tough atmosphere of continental play. “Playing with Moroccans alone, you’d see a lot of intimidation from the fans. Even on the pitch, your fellow African players would be saying things. It’s all about winning. It’s just about winning, winning, winning.”
The Dream of Lifting the NPFL Title
Though Remo Stars have come close to winning the NPFL title twice, Nduka remains hopeful that they’ll finally bring it home. “It’s a work in progress,” he says of the team’s aspirations.
“For now, we just want to maintain the slot as always, keep flying the Remo Stars badge on the log without relegation fears or worries.”
He acknowledges that lifting the NPFL title is still the ultimate goal, one that would boost the club’s reputation and cement its legacy in Nigerian football.
Gbemidepo Popoola, is a freelance Sport Journalist with multiple years of experience in Writing, Reportage and Broadcasting. Gbemidepo's major concentration is telling the local Nigerian Sporting stories, in its own Unique way. This is because he believes, "no one, can tell our story better than ourselves".