NPFL: Sunshine Stars escape relegation zone with 1-0 victory against Rivers in Akure

Sunshine Stars of Akure moved out of the relegation zone following a 1-0 victory over Rivers United in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) rescheduled matchday 27 tie on Sunday.

Having failed to win any of their last five matches (three draws and two losses), the Akure Gunners, fueled by the promise of a monetary reward from the Ondo State Government, delivered their side of the deal through Ibrahim Yusuf’s 68th-minute volley.

The first real chance of the tie fell to Tunde Adeniji in the 26th minute, but the forward missed the target even as he had only the goalkeeper to beat.

A few minutes later, Promise Awosanmi scored for the hosts, but the referee ruled out the goal for offside, sending the tie goalless into the break at the Ondo Sports Complex.

The second half mirrored the first, as Sunshine Stars continued to dominate proceedings, restricting the visitors who only had a shot on target from eight taken.

Yusuf’s volley will go on to be the difference for the hosts who finally got one over the line after 10 shots on target.

Despite the loss, the Pride of Rivers maintained the 11th spot on the NPFL log with 41 points after 30 matches, while Sunshine moved up to the 16th position with 39 points after 32 matches.

The loss means the visitors have failed to win any of the four matches played from their six outstanding games, having lost to Bayelsa United, and Remo Stars. They also drew away at Kwara United on Tuesday.