Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Remo Stars, have officially released Benin Republic goalkeeper Adebiyi Obassa to participate in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following his inclusion in Gernot Rohr’s final 28-man squad.
The 29-year-old has already linked up with the Benin national team camp in Ben Slimane, after formal communication between Remo Stars and the Benin Football Federation. The tournament will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, with Morocco serving as host.
Obassa’s release adds to a testing AFCON period for the Sky Blue Stars, who will also be without head coach Daniel Ogunmodede, named as one of Eric Chelle’s assistant coaches with the Super Eagles. The NPFL will continue despite the continental showpiece.
Super Eagles Assistant coach Daniel Ogunmodede. Photo Credit: Osasu Obayiuwana X
This season, Obassa has featured in seven league matches, conceding nine goals and keeping one clean sheet, as Remo Stars have struggled to defend their historic title amid the added demands of continental football. He also played in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary rounds, maintaining the standards that have underpinned the club’s recent rise.
Last season, the Beninois goalkeeper was central to Remo Stars’ first-ever NPFL title, playing 28 league matches, keeping 15 clean sheets and conceding 18 goals. His authority in the box, shot-stopping and leadership proved decisive during high-pressure moments of the title run-in.
Photo Credit: Remo stars/X
Obassa is one of three goalkeepers selected by Rohr, alongside Marcel Dandjinou and France-based Saturnin Allagbe. A regular in Benin’s recent call-ups, he has steadily cemented his place within the Squirrels’ setup.
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Benin Republic have been drawn into Group C alongside Botswana, DR Congo and defending champions Senegal. Their campaign begins against DR Congo on Tuesday, 23 December, followed by Botswana on Saturday, 27 December, and Senegal on 30 December. Benin qualified after finishing second behind Nigeria in their group.
Photo Credit: Remo stars/X
Remo Stars will turned to Central African Republic goalkeeper Alladun Kolimba, who already stepped in during the champions recent fixture against Enyimba. While the club will miss Obassa’s presence, their depth and structure have been hallmarks of sustained planning and continuity.
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Obassa is expected to return to club duty once Benin’s AFCON journey concludes, depending on how far the Squirrels progress in Morocco.
