NPFL: Sunshine Stars win first match of second stanza against Lobi

By Segun Giwa

Sunshine Stars FC of Akure on Sunday won its first match of the second stanza of Group B of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) against Lobi Stars of Markurdi.

The match day 15 encounter played at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure ended 1-0 in favour of the home team.

The lone goal came after forward David Onovo headed home from a corner kick in the 23rd minute.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all efforts by the home team to increase the tally were frustrated by the visitors in a fiercely contested encounter.

Sunshine Stars had drawn 1-1 with Wikki Tourists FC in Bauchi on match day 10, and Doma United in Akure on match day 11, before their last draw on match day 13.

They, however, still have a game at hand against Rivers United on match day 12 and had lost match day 14 away to Abia Warriors.

The team’s Head Coach, Edith Agoye, in a post-match conference, said the pursuit of Super Six was still on course with the victory.

Agoye, who described the encounter with Lobi as a difficult one, said it felt good to win the first match of the second stanza.

“It was not an easy match for us in all aspects, especially physiology.

“This is our first win in the second round of the league.

“It’s a very good one that the players gave everything for the game to get the maximum points.

The most important thing is the three points and we are happy for it.

We are still on cause for the Super Six, this game has brought us back to contention.

“We still have four more games to go, three away and one at home.

“We believe seriously in the dream for the Super Six and we shall give everything to make sure we are there.

“Lobi is currently leading our group and for them to top the table for weeks is not a joke.

“They are a very strong side and they understand how to play the game.

“We are happy that we are able to win against them.

“Today’s game is quite different from the last matches.

“It means we are improving and we will continue to improve,” Agoye said.

Lobi Stars Coach, Muhammed Babaganaru, said it was a good outing for his team, especially with his players showing good character.

“We are still on course as far as the Super Six is concerned .

“Our position is not bad on the log. We will keep on working hard,” Babaganaru said.

NAN reports that Sunshine Stars are fifth on the log with 21 points from 14 matches, while Lobi Stars have 26 points from 15 matches to top the log.

(NAN)