Sunshine Stars midfielder Liman Ahmadu became the second player to score a hat-trick in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) this season, as the Akure-based side secured a crucial 4-2 victory over Kwara United to ease their relegation worries.

The Matchday 27 encounter at Remo Stadium, Ikenne, produced six goals within 47 minutes, thrilling the sparse crowd in attendance.

Ahmadu opened the scoring in the 11th minute, finishing off Seth Mayi’s pass with a simple tap-in. However, Kwara United responded in the 22nd minute when Issa Gatta capitalised on a defensive lapse to beat Lateef Ishola in goal.

The visitors then took the lead five minutes later through Wasiu Alalade, leaving Sunshine Stars trailing in the 27th minute.

The hosts, however, drew level in the 33rd minute following an own goal off Waheed Adebayo’s pass, before Ahmadu restored their lead on the stroke of half-time with a well-placed finish from Stephen Chukwude’s low header.

Ahmadu completed his hat-trick just two minutes into the second half, converting another fine pass from Adebayo to extend Sunshine Stars’ lead.

Despite Kwara United’s efforts to mount a comeback, Sunshine Stars’ defence remained resolute, frustrating their attacking attempts and securing maximum points.

Sunshine Stars head coach, Bobola Akinfolarin, praised his team’s resilience in overturning the deficit to claim victory.

“We are working seriously on our defence to ensure we stop conceding goals, both home and away. With the support of God, our fans, and all stakeholders, we are optimistic about exiting the red zone,” Akinfolarin said.

Meanwhile, a visibly frustrated Kwara United coach, Tunde Sanni, lamented his side’s defensive collapse.

“We have never conceded this many goals since the beginning of the league. I am confused and not happy with the outcome of the game. Look at the goals we conceded; I can’t explain what went wrong,” Sanni said, adding that while the officiating was fair, his team simply failed to perform.

Sunshine Stars will next travel to Lafia to face Nasarawa United.