Sunshine Stars of Akure have been confirmed the 4th best football club in Nigeria after finishing behind Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Enyimba, Remo Stars and Rivers United at the Super Six in Lagos.
A tournament that began with a 0-1 loss to defending champions Rivers United of Port Harcourt ended on remarkable note for the Akure-based side as a result of a 3-1 win over Lobi Stars of Makurdi.
Sunshine Stars who exhibited good display and dominated play against Lobi from the blast opened scoring through Stephen Chukwude in the 22nd minute.
Michael Olalusi made the lead more comfortable after receiving a pass from Lucky Gyang five minutes before half time
Lobi Stars however reduced the tally when Elijah Ani beat Mustafa lawal in goal for Sunshine Stars.
Substitute Vincent Temitope extinguished all hopes of a comeback for the Benue side when he struck on 83 minutes.
Sunshine Stars missed continental cut but fans and supporters of the team expressed some level of satisfaction that they were able to pull the nut out of the fire having qualified for Super Six on the last day of the abridged league.
For coach Edith Agoye Sunshine Stars showing in the league is commendable.
“Over the years it had been tough and rough for Sunshine Stars with the team always struggling to make a mark or battling relegation but today the fans are happy and I am happy as well.”
Agoye commended the massive support he got from the management of the team through Ondo State Sports Commissioner Bamidele Ologunloluwa.
“Ondo State government must be well appreciated for the efforts rendered. We cannot rejoice or appreciate ourselves today without commending the massive support we got from the government, I can’t thank them enough.”
NPFL Champions Enyimba and Remo Stars who finished second will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League while second runners-up Rivers United will be joined in the CAF Confederation Cup by either Bendel Insurance or Enugu Rangers.
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