NPFL debut excites Sunshine Stars prodigy Matthew Samuel

It was a memorable experience for Sunshine Stars’ newly promoted U19 talent, Matthew Samuel, as he made his Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) debut at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
The 16-year-old striker, who earned promotion to the senior team in January 2025, had been in stellar form for Sunshine Stars U19, scoring 10 goals in 9 matches in the ongoing N-Youth League.
Speaking on his debut, Samuel acknowledged the challenges of playing professionally for a club of Sunshine Stars’ calibre.
“It is a big opportunity for me to play professionally in the colours of Sunshine Stars considering the array of more experienced players in the squad,” he noted.
“The tie against Bayelsa United in Yenagoa is my debut game and I will keep on working hard to sustain the opportunity extended to me.
“It is painful the game did not end the way I wanted it but the fact that I have begun at a young age like Ethan Nwaneri and Lamine Yamal makes me delighted.
“Surely, the time will come for me to win games so I will keep trying my best whenever I am called upon to play”, he added.
The teenage forward said he remains focused on the challenges ahead, putting the Bayelsa United defeat behind him as he sets his sights on Saturday’s South-West derby against Remo Stars in Ikenne, Ogun State.