NPFL: Sunshine Stars Will Bounce Back Soon – Unuanel

NPFL: Sunshine Stars Will Bounce Back Soon – Unuanel

Sampson Adedeji

Former Super Falcons coach, Samson Unuanel, has expressed confidence that Sunshine Stars will make a swift return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), provided the club’s management allows coaches to operate independently, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Following their relegation to the Nigeria National League (NNL) at the end of the 2024–25 season, the Akure-based team, known as the Owena Waves, is now looking to rebuild.

Unuanel emphasized the importance of investing in young talent and giving coaches the autonomy they need to succeed.

 “They’ll return soon because the government now seems ready to take the right steps,” Unuanel told Flashscore.

“The management must stop interfering and let the coaches they hire do their jobs. A strong focus on scouting and nurturing young, talented players is key.”

He also criticized the persistent recycling of players in Nigerian football.

 “In Nigeria, we keep rotating the same players — someone could have played for six or seven clubs and still be in circulation. That’s not how you move forward.”

Unuanel added that grassroots football has been sidelined, and many coaches avoid taking risks due to job insecurity.

“Coaches are hesitant to take chances because if results don’t come immediately, they’re fired. I don’t blame them — very few are in a position to take such risks in our system.”