Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin announced the appointment of Kennedy Boboye as their new head coach a few minutes ago, a move that is expected to change the trajectory of the Benin Arsenal’s ambitions for the remainder of the 2025/26 season in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) — mainly to escape relegation.
Though not relatively new to top-flight coaching and the team’s current situation, Boboye’s profile has rapidly risen in one decade, winning two NPFL titles and earning a reputation as one of the most tactical and disciplined managers of his generation.
Since he has managed six NPFL clubs, Platinum News highlights six things you should know about Kennedy Boboye as he takes the helm at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
- He’s a Two-Time NPFL Champion
Few Nigerian coaches can boast of winning the league title twice in such a short time with two different clubs. Boboye first lifted the NPFL trophy with Plateau United in 2017, guiding them to their first-ever championship. He repeated the feat in 2021 with Akwa United, proving that his success was no fluke. And this time, it was again a first NPFL title for Akwa United in front of their home fans at the Nest of Champions in Uyo. - A Coach with Nationwide Experience
Boboye’s managerial journey has taken him across nearly every region of Nigeria. He has handled Sunshine Stars(South-West), Abia Warriors (South East), Plateau United(North Central), Remo Stars (South West), and Akwa United (South South), covering clubs from the West, East, North, and South. - The Journey of his Career
Boboye began his managerial journey in the NPFL in 2015, when he was appointed head coach of Sunshine Stars FC. During his first spell in Akure, he failed to clinch a continental place finish with Sunshine, and then he resigned to join Abia Warriors.
After a short stint with Abia Warriors (8 months), Boboye was appointed as Plateau United’s head coach on November 3, 2016, succeeding Zachary Baraje. In his very first season, he achieved the extraordinary. He led Plateau United to their maiden NPFL title in 2017.
In January 2019, Boboye took over at Remo Stars, replacing Fatai Osho as head coach. However, the club was relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL) at the end of that season, prompting his departure.
He returned to the top flight in the 2019/2020 season, taking charge of Akwa United. Once again, he delivered instant success, guiding the Promise Keepers to the 2021 NPFL championship. His second league title as a manager.
In November 2023, Boboye accepted the role of Heartland FC head coach, but internal politics and administrative interference forced an early exit barely a month later. His brief spell produced three wins, one draw, and three defeats.
He later rejoined Sunshine Stars for a second stint, but resigned after alleging excessive interference from the Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency (OSFA), Mr Ologunloluwa, the supervising body of the club.
This wide exposure has given him an understanding of the NPFL’s diverse football cultures, making him one of the league’s most adaptable managers.
- He Was Once a Promising Super Striker
Before becoming a coach, Boboye was a talented baller. Born on January 1, 1974, he began his professional career with Sharks FC of Port Harcourt in 1990 before joining Udoji United in 1993. He went on to play for Nigerian clubs, the national team, and even had stints in Europe. He was initially part of Nigeria’s build-up to the Atlanta ’96 Dream Team, but a car accident injury cut short what could have been a glittering playing career. - A Tactician Who Values Discipline and Results
Boboye’s teams are known for structure, intensity, and discipline. From Plateau United to Akwa United, he has built squads that are compact in defence and ruthless on the counter. Players who have worked under him often describe him as a “no-nonsense manager” who demands focus, professionalism, and respect for the game. - A National Team Assistant Coach
Kennedy Boboye, alongside Imama Amapakabo, Fidelis Ilechukwu and Alloy Agu, were appointed as assistants to Salisu Yusuf for the Nigeria U23 male team. This was announced by the Nigeria Football Federation. The team, however, failed to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Following a poor start to the NPFL season for Bendel Insurance, the team will look to build on their last season’s performance, where they finished 5th and missed out on continental playoffs qualification on the final day. Maybe he can bring his title-winning managerial wand to the city of Benin and then delight the home fans.
