Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure on Sunday began the 2024/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign on a bright note by defeating visitors, Bayelsa United 3-0 in a matchday one played at Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode.
Debutant Seidu Salisu’s goal put the Owena Whales ahead in the 44th minute from Promise Awosanmi’s assist.
The Kennedy Boboye tutored side were in control of the game despite playing their league opener away from their usual home turf-Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
Spectators at the sporting arena felt concerned over the decision of the central Referee to deny Sunshine Stars of what looked like penalty before going into the break.
Promise Awosanmi wasted no time to double Sunshine Stars lead in the 54 minutes, scoring from a well flighted free kick.
Lucky Vandy, Chinedu Nwosu, Stephen Chukwude and Ajagbe Azeez were substituted for Seidu Salisu, Promise Awosanmi, Ismail Ayodele and Seth Mayi in the 70 minute while Olufemi Opeoluwa was later replaced by Nelson Osahon.
Chukwude who rejoined the team on his second stint marked his return with a classical goal in the 90 minutes from Vandi’s pass.
The home side’s defense marshalled by Chidozie Iwundu, Ogechukwu Ogbu, Yusuf Olowoshile and Peace Dewan shielded goalkeeper Emmanuel Ofori, to ensure that the team started the 2024/25 NPFL season on a clean sheet and maximum points.
Sunshine Stars’ Technical Adviser, Kennedy Boboye, in his post match interview could not hide his joy over the victory, saying despite the fact that most of the players are newly recruits, they all did well.
Boboye declared that the aim of Sunshine Stars like other football clubs, is to play continental football next season.
“We are not there yet, we are just trying to play the way we did in training, we still have more to do,” he said.
Sunshine Stars will next play against Remo Stars in Ikenne, Ogun state.
Promise Awosanmi (Yellow card 33 minutes)
Unused sub: (Ismail Amid), (Obiazo David) (Suraj Ibrahim) (Adams Umar).
Femi Atolagbe
Sunshine Stars
Media Manager