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Sunshine Stars’ head coach, Kennedy Boboye, has attributed the team’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Kwara United during Wednesday’s matchday seven of the NPFL to the poor condition of the pitch at the Kwara Sports Complex in Ilorin.
In a statement released by Sunshine Stars’ media team, Kennedy Boboye expressed his observations regarding the field’s bushy state, which he believes hindered his players from executing their game plan effectively—particularly following their recent impressive performance against Rangers International.
While Boboye acknowledged that Kwara United deserved the win on the day, he was vocal about the impact the overgrown grass had on the match.
He said, “The condition of the pitch played a significant role in our performance. We are accustomed to playing on grass surfaces, but the issue here was that the grass was not cut and the field was not well-maintained. It’s concerning how such a pitch received approval for a professional game without any preparation.”
He added, “The overgrowth affected the ball’s movement, forcing us into a disadvantageous position. On the other hand, Kwara United appeared unaffected, clearly familiar with playing on that type of surface.”
During the match, Kwara United’s Alalade Wasiu made his mark by scoring twice in the first half, netting goals in the 30th and 38th minutes, which gave the Harmony Boys a commanding two-goal lead.
Although the Owena Whales displayed resilience after conceding, their efforts to claw back into the game were thwarted. Sunshine Stars were awarded a penalty that could have changed their fortunes, but Kwara’s goalkeeper, Emmanuel Ofori, made a crucial save.
Later in the game, an unmarked Shola Abdulraheem sealed the victory with a powerful shot into the top corner in the 73rd minute, extending the hosts’ lead.
Looking ahead, Sunshine Stars will prepare to host Nasarawa United at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode for their week eight league match on Sunday, October 20.
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