Nigeria Leagues
Unuanel urges Sunshine Stars to prioritise youth, end interference for quick NPFL return
By Wale Mustapha
Former Kwara United Technical Adviser, Samson Unuanel, has urged Sunshine Stars’ management to focus on youth development and avoid interference in technical decisions if they hope to secure an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The Akure-based club, popularly known as the Owena Whales, was relegated from the NPFL at the end of the 2024/25 season following a poor campaign marred by internal crises and inconsistent results.
The NPFL team went through three head coaches in one season amid allegations of management meddling in team selections and technical decisions.
Unuanel, who previously coached Sunshine Stars, believes a clear structure and focus on player development are key to the club’s revival.
“They will come back soon because the government is now ready to do the right thing,” Unuanel told Flashscore. “The management needs to sit up and allow the coaches they appoint to do their jobs without interference.”
He emphasized the importance of investing in young talent rather than recycling older players across clubs.
“In Nigeria, there’s too much recycling of the same players. You’ll find someone who’s played for six or seven clubs across the country and is still being rotated. That’s not progress,” he said.
“We’re neglecting the grassroots. Coaches are afraid to take risks because if results don’t come immediately, they get sacked. I don’t blame them — very few coaches here are in a position to take those chances.”
Sunshine Stars will compete in the Nigeria National League (NNL) next season, as they aim for a swift return to the top flight.
