Football
Boboye: Ex-Nigeria Coach Speaks on 'Complicated Situation' Behind Sunshine Stars Exit
Kennedy Boboye opens up about his resignation from Sunshine Stars, citing management interference and lack of support. What’s next for the veteran coach?
Nigeria Football News
Veteran Nigerian coach Kennedy Boboye has revealed the reasons behind his decision to step down as head coach of Nigeria Professional Football League club Sunshine Stars.
The two-time league winner made his decision official following the 1-0 defeat to former champions Heartland, marking their fourth loss in the last five matches. Boboye was reappointed midway through the 2023-24 season to help the Owena Whales avoid relegation after coach Edith Agoye was dismissed.
The 50-year-old had aimed to secure his third Nigerian elite division title with his hometown team – an achievement that would have ended Sunshine's long wait for glory.
Currently, the club sits in 13th place on the NPFL table, with 13 points from 11 matches played so far.
REASONS BEHIND BOBOYE’S SUNSHINE STARS EXIT
In a no-hold-barred chat with SportsBoom.com, the former Nigeria international says that the constant interference from Bamidele Ologunloluwa, the Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), and his team played a key role in his decision to leave.
"Leaving Sunshine Stars wasn’t a sudden decision. Many things led to it, but the main reason was constant interference," Boboye told SportsBoom.com. "Before accepting this job, I made it clear that I needed full freedom to do my work and build my team to meet the set goals.
"However, that wasn’t the reality. Top management officials, with little understanding of the technical aspects of football, constantly overstepped, insisting on having a say in transfers and player selection.
"These are the same people who are quick to blame me when the results don’t go their way. Even at Plateau United and Akwa United, where I won NPFL titles, the situation was never this difficult. So, the best choice for me was to leave.
I want to take this opportunity to address the rumours that I resigned because of Sunshine's defeat to Heartland. That’s not true, as I had already written my resignation letter before that match in Owerri
Kennedy Boboye
SUNSHINE RETURN A MIX OF JOY AND REGRET
After retiring from active football following his departure from South African club Manning Rangers, the former Nigeria international began his coaching career at Sunshine Stars in 2015.
When he returned eight years later, many expected him to make the Akure team strong because of his success with Plateau United and Akwa United.
That wasn’t meant to happen due to his sudden resignation. Nevertheless, Boboye reflects on the highs and lows of his return.
He continued: "Sunshine Stars is a team close to my heart. It’s my state team and the first club where I started my coaching career. I have no regrets going back there, but I feel sad that my time with them was so short.
"I came back to the club eight years after my first stint and found that nothing had changed or improved. My goal was to take them to the next level, but I wasn’t given the freedom to do my job.
One thing that brings me joy is leaving the club in a strong position. If you recall last season, I played a key role in helping them avoid relegation to the second division.
Kennedy Boboye
WHY SUCCESS MAY REMAIN AN ILLUSION FOR SUNSHINE
Boboye highlights what the club must do to succeed in the Nigerian league and put an end to their constant turnover of coaches.
For context, the club has hired six coaches in the past seven years, a statistic that reflects the struggles of the 2012 CAF Champions League semi-finalists.
"I believe the club’s management lacked a clear vision due to misplaced priorities. They constantly demanded different things at different times but didn’t provide enough support to help achieve those goals," he stated.
"It was a complicated situation, filled with a fear of the unknown. It wasn’t surprising that they kept changing coaches, yet no progress was being made.
"Football has evolved from what it once was. Without putting in the necessary effort and work, success will remain a distant dream. If some of the issues I faced aren't addressed, the next coach will not only struggle but may also walk away."
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR BOBOYE
Boboye, who is unlikely to be out of work for long due to his strong coaching credentials, discusses his next move and potential destination.
He stated: "Several clubs have approached me after hearing that I’m available, but for now, I’m taking my time and carefully considering my next move.
"Whether it's in Nigeria or abroad, I won’t settle for less, nor will I agree to coach a team without ambition. Once I’ve made my decision, I will make it known. Money isn’t everything, and I want to join a team where I can be trusted to do my job."
Shina Oludare is a notable Nigerian sports journalist and writer recognized for his extensive coverage of African sports. He has made significant contributions to the field through his work with reputable media outlets such as Goal.com and Soccernet. Known for his insightful analysis and comprehensive reporting, Oludare covers a wide range of topics within African football, including domestic leagues, national teams, and emerging talents. His work includes detailed player profiles, match previews and reviews, and transfer news, providing valuable insights into the intricacies of the sport on the continent.