NPFL: Ex-Coach Unuanel Blames Sunshine Stars' Relegation On Management Interference

NPFL: Ex-Coach Unuanel Blames Sunshine Stars' Relegation On Management Interference

Sampson Adedeji

Former Sunshine Stars head coach Samson Unuanel has attributed the club's relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to excessive interference from the management, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Akure-based club endured a turbulent season, marked by inconsistent performances that ultimately led to their demotion from the top flight. In an interview with NPFL broadcaster NINO, Unuanel expressed his disappointment and shared his perspective on what went wrong.

 "I was truly saddened by the news of Sunshine Stars' relegation. The club means a lot to me," he said.

"They have the potential to be a dominant force in Nigerian football, but the interference is overwhelming." Unuanel recalled his brief stint at the club, citing internal politics as a major obstacle.

"I was brought in with a genuine plan and offered a three-year contract. Unfortunately, I lasted only two months," he revealed.

 "Many of the players I brought in are now thriving abroad, but I never got the chance to finish what I started."

He emphasized that constant meddling by non-technical staff undermines the efforts of coaches.

"If you hire a coach, let him do his job. At Sunshine Stars, everyone wants to be a coach. The moment a player is dropped, the coach is suddenly labeled incompetent."

Unuanel insisted that the club’s structure, facilities, and player welfare are among the best in the league, but managerial interference remains its Achilles' heel.

"The management must wake up. They need to support their coaches and invest in scouting and developing young talent," he concluded.