A ten-man Sunshine Stars held Nasarawa United to a 1-1 draw at Lafia City Stadium, with Sunshine Stars’ right-back, Yusuf Olowoshile, receiving a red card for a second bookable offence.

In the Matchday 28 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nasarawa United took the lead as early as the 4th minute through Idris Ajila.

However, the resilient Sunshine Stars shrugged off the early setback, displaying a more purposeful performance.

Liman Ahmadu thought he had equalised for Sunshine Stars in the 18th minute with a long-range strike, but Nasarawa United’s goalkeeper, Detan Ogundare, made a brilliant save.

Ahmadu, who is the second player to score a hat-trick in the ongoing 2024/25 NPFL season, eventually cancelled out Nasarawa United’s goal in the 32nd minute, converting from Waheed Adebayo’s pass.

The Owena Whales became more aggressive from defence to attack in the second half.

Sunshine Stars’ goalkeeper, Ishola Abdulateef, was in fine form, making crucial saves to prevent the hosts from restoring their lead.

In the 60th minute, the duo of Adebayo and Seth Mayi were replaced by Uche Onwuasonaya and Matthew Samuel, while Chinedu Nwosu and Adebayo Alimi came on for Elmer Arunta and Liman Ahmadu 23 minutes later.

Sunshine Stars’ head coach, Bobola Akinfolarin, praised his team’s spirited effort in coming from behind to secure an away point.

“We will continue to approach every game as it comes; great game we had today,” he said.

Sunshine Stars will next host Plateau United at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.