Coaching Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs in the four coordinate geographical regions of Nigeria is no mean achievement and Kennedy Boboye with his recent appointment at Akwa United has achieved the feat.
Until his recent job in Uyo, Boboye had previously coached Sunshine Stars of Akure, Abia Warriors, Plateau United and Remo Stars.
The 45 year old has also enjoyed stints with the country’s national teams however in assistant roles; first in 2006 as temporary Super Eagles Assistant Coach and later in 2019 as Imama Amapakabo’s Assistant.
Busybuddiesng.com takes you through the life and times of Kennedy Boboye in the NPFL and his National team experience.
Kennedy Boboye’s NPFL Profile
Sunshine Stars
Kennedy Boboye commenced his sojourn in Nigeria’s Premier League in 2015 after his appointment to man the reins at Sunshine Stars.
He left at the end of the season on November 17, 2015 two days after his side was held by Enyimba in a barren draw. .
On Matchday 21, the Akure based side topped the 20-teams NPFL log but capitulated when it mattered most as they finished sixth at the end of the season thereby missing a place in the continent.
His stay in Ibadan was fruitful in that the club recorded the highest number of Super Eagles invitees in their history with the likes of Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Paul Onobi, Seun Olunlayo, Eze Stephen, Prince Aggreh, Tunde Adeniji and Dayo Ojo earning invites.
Boboye announced his decision to resign as coach of the Nigeria premier league side despite helping them record over 30 wins, six draws and just 14 defeats.
Boboye said: “I have quit as Sunshine Stars because it is the best time for me to move forward.”
Abia Warriors – 8 months
A month after ending his relationship with the Akure based side, Boboye got appointed as Chief Coach at Abia Warriors.
Three months into his his appointment, the Abia based side were sat in second place five points behind MFM FC but later missed their footing and finished in 15th place on the NPFL log after amassing 36 points from 29 games.
A 0-0 draw at home versus Akwa United ended Abia Warrior’s chances of picking up a continental ticket at the end of the season. The aftermath was the resignation of Boboye eight months into the job.
“I wish to inform you that I have resigned as coach of Abia Warriors after due consultation with my family,” Boboye said.
It is believed that the former Sharks star struggled due to his appointment as interim Super Eagles’ assistant coach on April 21, 2016.
Later, in an interview with MakingofChamps, Boboye revealed he had abandoned the Umuahia based outfit due to interference from the club’s general manager.
Plateau United
It was not difficult for Boboye to find another Nigerian side that wanted his services and this time, a club from far North beaconed on him.
Boboye was unveiled on November 3, 2016 as replacement for Zachary Baraje who had resigned after a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Nigeria Professional Football League the previous season.
“I promise to dedicate my life to fight for this club and defend the great principles of Plateau United on and off the field.
“I have coached Sunshine Stars who are a solid team in the west, I have handled Abia Warriors who are a big threat in the east. Now I am at the biggest in northern Nigeria.
“I have to work, I have to prepare a team, I have to adapt to this club. It will not be easy but I will do my utmost best, when you see my career you can see I have what it takes to excel.”
Those were the words of Boboye and he did keep them as Plateau United won their first League title in his first year at the club.
Boboye saw out his two-year contract. However, his side finished fifth and without a place in the continent in 2018.
Remo Stars
On January 18, 2019, Boboye succeeded Fatai Osho at Remo Stars and promised to help the Ogun State based team to not only win the league but also enjoy continental football.
“The target is for us winning the league and playing in the continent which is doable like I rightly said and the management is going to do everything to move the team up.” He promised.
However, the team got relegated to the country’s second division – the Nigeria National League (NNL) and without hesitation, Boboye jumped ship at the end of the season.
Akwa United
Eight matches into the 2019/2020 NPFL season, Kennedy Boboye will have to take the Uyo based outfit from the rubbles after the side managed only one win under former coach John Obuh who resigned on Monday.
“I am pleased to be joining Akwa United, a team with great talents and ambition to succeed. Hopefully, I will hope to use my wealth of experience to help the team achieve its set goals and ambitions.” Boboye told Goal.
He becomes the fourth permanent handler of Akwa United in less than three years.
National Team
Appointed interim Super Eagles’ assistant coach on April 21, 2016 shortly after Sunday Oliseh resigned. He alongside Imama Amakapabo were appointed to temporarily assist Salisu Yusuf.
Appointed U23 Assistant Coach in February, 2019.
