2026/2027 NNL Season: Sunshine Stars banks on Banjo to spearhead NPFL return

Posted : 26 June 2026

Sunshine Stars Football Club has placed its promotion hopes in the hands of seasoned tactician Adepoju Banjo Ayodeji after unveiling him as the club's new head coach ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

The Akure-based side, relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), believes Banjo has the experience, tactical expertise, and leadership needed to guide the Owena Waves back to the elite division at the first attempt.

Banjo returns to familiar territory with nearly two decades of coaching experience and an impressive résumé spanning coaching, scouting, football administration, and player development.

He holds a Diploma in Sports Psychology from El Roi University, London, obtained in 2022, alongside several coaching qualifications, including the CAF C Licence, Advanced Coaching and Training Football certification from the National Institute for Sports (NIS), a LaLiga Coaching Certificate, and the H&B Modern Day Method of Coaching certification.

His coaching career began in 2006 and has featured notable appointments across Nigerian football. He served as Head Coach of the Southwest Team at the Zenith Eagle Football Programme in 2015 before joining Sunshine Stars as assistant coach a year later.

The tactician subsequently managed Rising Stars FC in the Nationwide League One (NLO1) and later worked as Technical Adviser of Akure City FC between 2018 and 2021.

Banjo returns with a proven record of success, having guided Sunshine Stars to the 2023 Ondo State FA Cup title, a fourth-place NPFL finish, and a quarter-final appearance in the National FA Cup. He also led Akure City FC to the Round of 16 of the National FA Cup in 2022.

His achievements further include winning gold in the men's Under-20 football event at the 2026 Niger Delta Games, as well as impressive outings in youth competitions, including the Finland U-17 YOSFON Football Tournament, the Etisalat U-15 National School Competition, and the Zenith Eagle Regional Football Competition.

Renowned for discovering and nurturing young talents, Banjo has played a key role in developing several footballers who have progressed to national teams and professional clubs within and outside Nigeria. His record in player development has earned him widespread recognition in Nigerian football circles.

The experienced coach has also worked alongside respected tacticians such as Bankole Olowookere, Kayode Olujohungbe, Austin Eguavoen, and Edith Agoye, experiences that have helped shape his coaching philosophy.

With preparations for the new NNL season gathering momentum, Sunshine Stars will be hoping Banjo's blend of tactical discipline, player development expertise, and winning mentality can inspire a successful promotion campaign and restore the club's place in the NPFL.

The appointment reflects Sunshine Stars' determination to secure an immediate return to Nigeria's top flight after relegation. With Banjo's experience and proven track record, the Owena Waves will be aiming to mount a strong promotion challenge throughout the 2026/2027 NNL season.

2026/2027 NNL Season: Sunshine Stars banks on Banjo to spearhead NPFL return

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