Commitment and resilience have been identified as the reasons Sunshine Stars were able to prevail over the Group B leaders in a match-day 15 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Lobi Stars in Akure.
Reflecting on an entertaining tie at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Dele Ologunloluwa said the match, one of the toughest he has watched this season brought out the best from the players as well as Sunshine Stars coach Edith Agoye and his Lobi Stars counterpart Mohammed Babaganaru despite the scoreline of 1-0 in favour of the hosts.
“It was an end to end situation as both Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars impressed in Akure. Each minute was crucial with the two sides playing at the top of their games. The home side secured the three points due to their resilience against a formidable opposition and the display of total commitment to the cause of the club’s dreams.”
Ologunloluwa commended the match officials for their superb handling of the tough encounter irrespective of players’ antics on the field.
“I give it to the match officials for rising up to the occasion all through. Teams won’t have any reason to complain if they have such officiating like this. Same for the handling of our loss to Abia Warriors in Umuahia which was good.”
The State Sports Commissioner assured that Sunshine Stars will fight to the death and ensure they make the top three cut.
With a match in hand against Rivers United, Sunshine Stars are 5th on the Group B table, five points adrift of Lobi.