Sunshine Stars’ scintillating performance in matchday 16 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, was not enough to secure a victory against visiting Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan.

Despite dominating the South-West derby, the Owena Whales fell short as the Oluyole Warriors took all three points with Alex Aghahowa’s 27th-minute goal.

The match began with Sunshine Stars displaying fluid passing from defence to attack, but they were unable to break through the visitors’ defence. Their inability to convert chances proved costly when Shooting Stars capitalised on their only clear opportunity in the first half.

Sunshine Stars’ attempts to equalise were denied by their former goalkeeper, Mustapha Lawal, who made key saves to frustrate his former team.

In the second half, Sunshine Stars increased their intensity and aggression, pushing hard to level the score. However, Shooting Stars’ resilient defence held firm.

Sodiq Ibrahim came close to equalising in the 77th minute, but his header struck the crossbar, keeping Sunshine Stars scoreless.

Despite tactical changes by Sunshine Stars’ head coach, Bobola Akinfolarin, they were unable to break down Shooting Stars, who held on to claim the win.

Sunshine Stars currently sit 16th on the NPFL table. They will play their rescheduled matchday 13 fixture against Enyimba International on Wednesday in Aba, before heading to Niger State to face Niger Tornadoes in matchday 17.