Sunshine Stars of Akure edged Akwa United of Uyo 1-0 in their Nigeria Premier Football League match day 24 clash decided at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.
It was a clash between two teams who started the match day in the bottom four as Samuel Mathew’s 29th minute strike secured all three points for the home side.
Sunshine Stars came into the match on the back of three consecutive losses in the league and needed all maximum points to pull away from the rest. On the other hand, Akwa United defeated Enyimba in their last game to enter this relegation six pointer in confident mood.
However, it was the home side who should gave got their noses in front after just a minute when a teasing cross from Adebayo Waheed was missed by Samuel Mathew. Moments later, Yusuf Olowoshile sent his sumptuous cross for Chidozie Iwundu to attack, but the centre-back sent his glancing header wide.
After weathering the storm, Akwa United tried to create chances of their own, but they lacked the connection and synergy to work the home side’s backline.
Just before the half-hour mark, a low cross from Yusuf was spilled by Akwa United goalkeeper Darlintin Ovuna leaving Mathew with the simplest of finishes to put the Akure side ahead. At the other end, Ishola Abdulateef made a good stop to deny Paschal Onunze from levelling the score.
Despite a foray of attacks in the final quarter of the game, Sunshine Stars held on thanks to some solid defensive work by the pair of Alimi Adebayo and Iwundu.
Despite the win, Sunshine Stars stay in 17th position, no thanks to Plateau United’s 2-0 win over Elkanemi Warriors in Jos. Ihezuo Emmanuel and Olawale Doyeni scored for the Peace Boys. Akwa United stay in 19th – five points adrift of safety.
In other games, Ikorodu City held Nasarawa United to a goalless draw in Lafia, while Lobi Stars continued their winless run in Bauchi with a 1-1 draw against Katsina United. Tope Akande scored for Lobi before Promise Damala equalized late in the match for the visitors.
Kano Pillars, Enyimba and Kwara United all secured one nil wins against Abia Warriors, Rivers United and Bayelsa United respectively to complete the action on Saturday.
