Sunshine cannot go on relegation, Alimi boasts

By Taofeek Babalola

Sunshine Stars forward Sikiru Alimi is confident that his side will maintain its top flight position at the end of the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season, Sportinglens.blogspot.com reports. 

The Owena Waves are currently swimming in the relegation zone but began their survival quest on Sunday with a 2-1 win over Gombe United in a matchday 25 at their new home ground at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode.

Sunshine Stars FC was banished to Ijebu Ode by the League Management Company (LMC) over their fans’ trouble in Akure.

Goals from Sikiru Alimi and Dayo Ojo handed Sunshine Stars all important victory while Austin Oladapo scored a consolation goal for Gombe United.

In a post match interview, the former Warri Wolves striker stressed that Sunshine Stars are among the top clubs in the country and believes the club can achieve their target.

"We know the class of our team (Sunshine Stars), we are not where we belong but we strongly believe we can achieve our objectives and target for the remainder of the season. We cannot go on relegation." Alimi said.

Alimi short Sunshine Stars into the lead in the 33 minutes when he found the back of the net from a tight angle off Seun Olulayo's assist.

The home side extended their lead inside the first 6 minutes of the second half courtesy of Dayo Ojo's strike from the edge of the yard. However, Gombe United responded with a goal of their own in the 57th through a sublime overhead kick by Austin Oladapo that left Stars’ goalkeeper, Henry Ayodele motionless.