Remo Stars Release Goalkeeper to Join 2025 AFCON Squad
Nigeria Premier Football League champions Remo Stars have released Benin Republic goalkeeper Adebiyi Obassa to take part in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after he was named in Gernot Rohr’s final 28-man squad.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper has already joined the Benin national team camp in Ben Slimane following official communication between Remo Stars and the Benin Football Federation. The AFCON tournament will be held in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
Obassa’s departure adds to a challenging period for Remo Stars, who will also be without their head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede. Ogunmodede has been appointed as one of Eric Chelle’s assistant coaches with the Super Eagles. Despite the tournament, the NPFL season will continue.
This season, Obassa has played seven league matches for Remo Stars, conceding nine goals and keeping one clean sheet. The champions have struggled to defend their title while also competing in continental football. Obassa also featured in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary rounds, where he maintained solid performances.
Last season, the Benin international played a key role in Remo Stars’ first-ever NPFL title. He made 28 league appearances, kept 15 clean sheets and conceded 18 goals, proving vital with his leadership and shot-stopping ability during the title run.
Obassa is one of three goalkeepers selected by Rohr, alongside Marcel Dandjinou and France-based Saturnin Allagbe. He has become a regular member of the Benin national team in recent years.
Benin Republic are in Group C of the 2025 AFCON, alongside Botswana, DR Congo and defending champions Senegal. They will open their campaign against DR Congo on Tuesday, 23 December, before facing Botswana on 27 December and Senegal on 30 December. Benin qualified for the tournament after finishing second behind Nigeria in their group.
In Obassa’s absence, Remo Stars will rely on Central African Republic goalkeeper Alladun Kolimba, who already featured in the club’s recent league match against Enyimba. While Obassa’s absence will be felt, the club remains confident in its squad depth.
Obassa is expected to return to Remo Stars after Benin’s AFCON campaign, depending on how far the team progress in Morocco.
