Reactions have started trailing Kennedy Boboye’s resignation as Sunshine Stars Head coach after nine months.
After announcing his resignation, Boboye on Monday gave more reasons why he parted ways with the club, reason that has sparked war of words between his and the club’s management.
Boboye cited persistent interference as his reason for stepping down, announcing his decision after a 1-0 loss to Heartland FC on NPFL matchday 11.
“I want to inform you that I will be stepping down as Sunshine Stars coach after Sunday’s NPFL match against Heartland. My decision is final, and I have no regrets about taking this step,” Boboye told Flashscore.
The coach also accused the club’s executives of breaking promises of autonomy most especially in the new season. “When I returned to this team, I was assured I’d have the freedom to make independent decisions, but that hasn’t been the case,” he added.
“This season, my role became increasingly difficult as club executives—who lack technical coaching experience—began overstepping by directing my backroom staff on player selection decisions.”
He also highlighted a perceived double standard in handling defeats.
“When Sunshine Stars lose, they are the first to assign blame. If I had faced this kind of interference at my previous clubs, I doubt I would have won the NPFL title twice,” he said.
However, Sunshine Stars President Bamidele Ologunloluwa rejected these accusations, attributing Boboye’s resignation to poor results rather than interference.
“There was never any direct interference in the coaches’ job,” Ologunloluwa said in a statement issued through Media Manager Femi Atolagbe. “His resignation is accepted, and we wish him success in his future endeavors.”
Ologunloluwa defended the management’s involvement, emphasizing their responsibility to uphold the team’s targets, citing an example involving CHAN Eagles invitee Promise Awosanmi.
“The management has to speak out when things deviate from our set goals. It’s also known that some coaches have favorite players, even when they’re not the team’s best. This shouldn’t harm the team’s aspirations.
“Boboye wanted to drop Awosanmi permanently, but I advised against it. Anyone who saw the youngster’s performance in Owerri can attest to his quality despite our loss,” Ologunloluwa added.
The club president also accused Boboye of abandoning the team under similar circumstances in 2015. “It’s fear of the unknown that made him resign. Sunshine Stars would not have avoided relegation last season without the logistical support provided by management and government,” he said.
Sunshine Stars are currently 14th on the NPFL table, with 13 points from 11 matches, scoring 8 goals and conceding 13.
