Sunshine Stars President Refutes Kennedy Boboye's Claims of Interference Following Coach’s Resignation

Following the resignation of Kennedy Boboye as head coach of Sunshine Stars FC, club president Bamidele Ologunloluwa has firmly denied allegations of management interference, calling them a reaction to the team’s recent struggles in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). Boboye, who parted ways with the club after nine months, cited "unending interference" from the management as a primary reason for his departure. However, Ologunloluwa insists the club’s management never encroached on the coach's duties.

The response from Ologunloluwa was issued through the club’s Media Manager, Femi Atolagbe. "There was never a time I or any member of the club's management directly interfered in the coaches' job," stated Ologunloluwa. He added that while Boboye’s resignation was accepted, management remains committed to the club's objectives and wishes the coach success in future endeavors.

Ologunloluwa further explained that, as club president, his role involves ensuring that team strategies align with Sunshine Stars’ objectives. He acknowledged that his guidance was given to avoid "the express consideration of players that were not adding value to the team" and to prevent players on good form from being sidelined. Among those he mentioned was Promise Awosanmi, a standout CHAN Eagles invitee. According to Ologunloluwa, Boboye had considered permanently benching Awosanmi, but the club president’s input kept the young talent on the field.

He also addressed Boboye’s claims of taking sole responsibility for the club’s survival last season, emphasizing that the management and government provided critical logistical support. "Sunshine Stars would not have survived had necessary logistical support not been provided," Ologunloluwa emphasized, underscoring that team success is a collective effort.

The club president speculated that Boboye’s resignation was motivated by a “fear of the unknown,” especially given Sunshine Stars’ current position in the league. The team sits 14th in the NPFL table with 13 points, having lost three consecutive matches, scoring 8 goals, and conceding 13 from 11 games.

Boboye’s departure and Ologunloluwa's response highlight the tension within Sunshine Stars amid their struggles this season. As the club moves forward, they will aim to refocus and work towards climbing the NPFL standings without the guidance of the experienced coach.