Sunshine Stars plunged into relegation after 17-Year of NPFL
The atmosphere at the Ondo State Sports Complex on Sunday was thick with tension. The final whistle blew, and disappointment echoed: Sunshine Stars had been relegated. Their 2-1 home defeat to Niger Tornadoes ended their 17-year NPFL run.
For the “Owena Whales” and their fans, the NPFL dream ended with each Niger Tornadoes goal. Ismail Sarki’s opener was a blow. Liman Ahmadu’s equalizer offered brief hope. But Daniel Akanbek’s stunning strike sealed Sunshine Stars’ fate.
Mathematically, their relegation is confirmed. With one game left and 41 points, they can’t escape the drop. Their final match against El-Kanemi Warriors is now a formality. They join Lobi Stars in the NNL.
This is a major setback for a club that shone continentally between 2010 and 2012, reaching CAF semi-finals. Those memories contrast sharply with their current reality.
Ironically, they couldn’t even use their refurbished home ground this season.
Coach Bobola Akinfolarin acknowledged the disappointment and awaits management’s plan. The focus now shifts to rebuilding for a future NPFL return. For Sunshine Stars fans, the sunset is painful, but hope for a brighter dawn remains.
