By Femi Atolagbe

Promise Awosanmi emerged as the hero as Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure edged past El-Kanemi Warriors in their Matchday 18 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The Owena Whales had to wait until the 84th minute to break the deadlock. Awosanmi capitalised on a well-placed pass from Elmer Arunta, slotting the ball past goalkeeper George Abine to secure the decisive goal.

Sunshine Stars started the match brightly, displaying good ball movement and creating several goal-scoring opportunities in the first half. However, they were unable to convert their chances.

El-Kanemi Warriors struggled to penetrate Sunshine Stars’ resolute defence, which was expertly marshalled by captain Chidozie Iwundu, with solid support from Adebayo Alimi and Yusuf Olowoshile.

Opeoluwa Olufemi came close to giving Sunshine Stars the lead in the 68th minute, but his shot was parried away by Abine.

The visitors were reduced to ten men in the 78th minute after one of their players received a second yellow card, leaving El-Kanemi at a disadvantage.

Sunshine Stars’ head coach, Bobola Akinfolarin, praised his players in his post-match remarks, expressing satisfaction with their performance under new technical adviser Abubakar Bala.

“It is always tough playing your first match with a new team, but I’m grateful for the maximum points. Despite missing several chances, the players showed resilience and kept their focus,” he said.

The victory moves Sunshine Stars to 13th on the league table. They will face Ikorodu City in their next match, which will be played behind closed doors at Onikan Stadium, Lagos.