BY Femi Atolagbe
Sunshine Stars have unveiled its newly recruited players for the 2018/19 football season before the home fans and media at the Ondo Sports Complex, Akure on Saturday.
Among the new players is former Nasarawa United captain, Seun Sogbesan who is reuniting with coach Kabiru Dogo alongside midfielder, Esosa Igbiniba and striker Tayo Fabiyi who signed from Enugu Rangers as his former teammates.
Dazzling petit winger, Fuad Ekelojuoti is signed from Heartland FC on a year deal with a renewal clause, while Olalekan Gabriel returned to Sunshine Stars from Rivers United on a contract till the end of the seaaon.
Striking quartet of Barnabas Daniel from Crown FC, former Heartland FC’s man Israel Abia, Peter Ibe (from Cynosure FC) and Chibundu Amah formerly of Wikki Tourists all inked a two-year deal with the Akure Landlords, as goalkeeper, Ayo Ojo signed from Osun United.
Others unveiled are Saliu Suleiman, Bassey Akpan, Bolaji Abdulkadir, Funsho Alamoyo, Busayo Gold (returnee), Audu Akeem, Solomon Enudi (former Rising Stars) and Lukman Raji, who all signed a season contract on bossman transfers.
Rising Stars’ Kolade Adeniji, younger brother of former Sunshine Stars lethal forward, Tunde Adeniji, Yahaya Alabi, Seyi Ibikunle, Akure City duo of Tosin Akinbobola, and teenage sensation, Ayo Adejubu, were signed on for the new season on a long term contracts alongside another homegrown talent, Ayodeji Akinlose.
Speaking with media after the ceremony Sogbesan, who was happy to team up with Sunshine Stars, and was of the believe that collective efforts of the group will lead the team to its objective this season.
“Happy to be here. I’m seen as a direct replacement to a key player (Kunle Odunlami) and I can cope with the pressure of standing as a solid rock defender._
“With team work, collective efforts of everyone we can achieve our continental ambition this season. We need just play as a team, and already it’s a strong group,” Sogbesan submitted.
Sunshine Stars Club Director Tunde Ogunja lauded efforts of all that worked assiduously to scale through the rigorous process and negotiations to complete some of the deals despite the delay, before reaffirming the Club’s objective for the new season.
“We are aiming to finish in a top position so as to compete in the continent next season.” Ogunja reiterated.
After the ceremony and a group photo session, Sunshine Stars overcame the test of Ede United 1-0 through Amah’s first half strike in a dress rehearsal for their first NPFL home game of the season with Rivers United on Wednesday.