NPFL: Sunshine Stars promote three youth players to first-team

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Sunshine Stars U-19 maintain their lead at the top of the N-Youth Southern Conference League table with 30 points from 11 matches after thrashing R2 Fitness 3-0 at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State.

The impressive performance of the team also earned three of their standout players promotion to the senior team with immediate effect.

Those elevated are Samuel Matthew, Christopher Richard, and Ariyo Ikulamberu.

Director of Sunshine Stars Youth Team, Abimbola Oladimeji said, “The three players deserve promotion to the senior team due to their performances on the field of play.

“We believe it is time for them to explore more opportunities to excel in their footballing careers.”

Sunshine Stars outplayed their hosts in the first half of the encounter yet the scoreboard at Remo Stadium remained blank.

The Ondo State-based side turned the tide in the second half, with winger Ariyo Ikulamberu scoring a brace in quick succession and Matthew completing the route.

Sunshine Stars U-19 Head Coach, Olanrewaju Ale expressed his delight: “I am very impressed by the performance of the boys today.

“Even though the goals didn’t come early in the first half, the boys showed resilience, scoring three to seal the win in the second half.

“We hope to sustain the winning momentum and maintain our lead to make the Super 4 cut of N-Youth League.”

Sunshine Stars U-19 remain comfortable at the summit of the N-Youth Southern Conference League.

The league leaders are set to return to Remo Stars Stadium, to face Eagles Stars in another reverse fixture.

The Akure-based side, which is playing their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) home matches at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, Ogun state, will play two league games this month.

They will start their second stanza at home against Ikorodu City FC in the South West derby.

This will be followed by an away clash with Bayelsa United in Yenegoa.