OPINION:: SUNSHINE STARS FC: A CLARION CALL FOR URGENT ACTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY
By Kasali Obanoyen
We are deeply worried and seriously concerned about the management of Sunshine Stars FC continued refusal to comply with the directive issued almost a month ago by the NFF Players Status and Arbitration Committee regarding the settlement of outstanding debts owed to players, coaches, and administrators. It’s heartbreaking that our beloved club may be unable to register new players for the new season, which already kicked off this weekend across the country. The implication of this negligence is that our team could be forced to parade half-baked or unprepared players, an unacceptable situation for a club with glowing history and reputation.
We have repeatedly cried out on urgent need for the management of ODSFA to engage with the Ondo FA in resolving this crisis and other related matters, all to no avail, raising strong suspicions of deliberate sabotage from certain ODSFA management committee officials
This is indeed a worrisome development. Instead of addressing these sensitive issues holistically, ODSFA officials are busy moving around in search of recognitions, honors, and
appointments, lobbying for positions as “Full-Time Board Members”, despite having nothing tangible to show for their three months in office. We shall speak more on this misplaced priority later
It is unheard of that a club management team would arrogantly operate without carrying along its state’s FA or even neglect to pay its affiliation fees. We still can not comprehend the audacity behind this attitude of independence from the very body mandated to guide and regulate their operations
We recall that during the tenure of Lucky Ayedatiwa, as the Interim Management Committee’s Chairman, he maintained a strong and healthy working relationship with the Ondo FA. That synergy was the foundation of Sunshine Stars’ stability and success at the time.
If Divine Ogbonnaya and his team have failed to demonstrate the competence and capacity to manage the club effectively, we will have no choice but to hold Mr. Governor responsible for
whatever befalls Sunshine Stars. After all, he is directly in charge of the agency and the club by extension
We understand that the Governor is preoccupied with numerous official responsibilities and may not be fully aware of the rot within the agency. It is possible that he has been continuously misled by his ODSFA officials. We urge the Governor to immediately delegate his Sports Commissioner, Hon. Omoyofunmi Segun, to exercise strict supervisory control over the agency on his behalf. This remains the only viable path to restoring efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the agency and to revive the pride and competitive spirit of Sunshine Stars FC
– By Otunba Dele Ologbese, OSFSF Convener
[09/11, 01:20] Kasali D Obanoyen: SUNSHINE STARS FC: A CLARION CALL FOR URGENT ACTION!
🗣️ “It’s time to rescue our club, restore pride, and make Sunshine Stars shine again!”
— Otunba Dele Ologbese, Convener, OSFSF
Why We’re Speaking Out
• Sunshine Stars FC has ignored NFF directives to settle debts owed to players, coaches, and administrators.
• This neglect now threatens the club’s ability to register new players for the 2025/26 NPFL season.
• Result: The team may field unprepared players, endangering its legacy and reputation.
The Hard Facts
• 2024/25 Season Record: 11 Wins | 8 Draws | 19 Losses
• Goals Scored: 34 | Conceded: 51
• Nigeria’s sports industry could generate US $3–4 billion by 2027, yet Ondo’s share is shrinking due to mismanagement and neglect.
What’s Going Wrong
• ODSFA officials have sidelined the Ondo State FA and ignored key regulations.
• Instead of fixing problems, some are busy chasing titles and appointments.
• Sunshine Stars’ heritage is being sacrificed on the altar of ego and inaction.
Call to Action
• Governor must direct Hon. Omoyofunmi Segun, Commissioner for Youth & Sports, to take full control of ODSFA.
• Conduct urgent audit of funds and activities.
• Pay outstanding debts, rebuild confidence, and renew the club’s mission, and weed as necessary.
“Sunshine Stars is not just a team — it’s Ondo’s pride and Nigeria’s hope.
We will not watch it fade.”
Kasali D Obanoyen
Nov 8th, 2025 .
