NPFL: Sunshine Stars President hopes team return to Akure for home matches

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The President of the Sunshine Stars FC, Bamidele Ologunloluwa says he understands the challenges the club is facing playing their home games away from their traditional home ground in Akure, Ondo state.

He said this while hoping renovation work at the Akure Township Stadium is complete to ensure the team returns to their traditional home ground.

The Akure Arsenals have been playing their home fixtures in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the 2024/2025 season at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, Ogun state.

Ologunloluwa acknowledged the challenges the team faced, playing away from their traditional home ground in Akure.

“The renovation of our stadium is crucial to restoring our home support, just as every other team.”

As the players embarked on the mid-season and New Year break as approved by the team management, he commended the players for their efforts during the first stanza of the season, which placed them in 15th on the log and called for a moderate celebration during the holiday.

He equally thanked the Ondo State government for throwing his full weight behind the club.

“I appreciate our sports-loving Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his support. I also thank and commend our tireless fans for standing by the team through thick and thin,” he said.

“Nevertheless, I advise you all to celebrate in moderation because of the tasks ahead.

“We are not where we ought to be on the NPFL table, but with all hands on deck, our season’s target is still achievable.”

He concluded with a note of caution and encouragement, “I wish you all a safe trip home.

“Always remember to stay fit during the short holiday and keep in mind the big tasks ahead of us.”

The management of the team approved the Yuletide break, in Akure following the team’s return from their matchday 19 tie against Ikorodu City in Lagos.

The break began on Friday, 30th December, and ends on Sunday, 5th January 2025.

The mid-season transfer market opened from January 6 to February 5, 2025

Sunshine Stars will resume their season’s campaign with a home game against Ikorodu City on January 18 at their adopted home ground in Ikenne, Ogun State.