Sunshine Stars: Ondo Sports Commissioner Appreciates Resilience, Support In Relegation Battle

Ondo State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, has appreciated the resilience, support and doggedness of players, officials and supporters of Sunshine Stars in the fight against relegation in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Yusuf-Ogunleye’s reaction came after Sunshine Stars defeated Doma United 1-0 in Gombe, to now have 52 points from 37 matches to sit comfortably 10th log after the rescheduled match of the league.

The commissioner noted that the Gombe magic was of importance after visiting the Northern state twice to get six points; against Gombe United and now Doma United.

“Good people of Ondo State, with the victory over Doma United of Gombe 1-0 a few minutes ago, I can confirm to you that our club, your pride, Sunshine Stars have finally moved out of the relegation zone.

“We are stable and back on track. Twice we travelled to Gombe, engaged the state’s two premier league teams (Gombe United and Doma United) and twice we won. We are now comfortable 10th on the log.

“Our fears and anxieties are gone from 18th on the log to 10th. I want to thank Mr Governor, thank the good people of Ondo State for their prayers and support,” he said.

The commissioner, who said he kept to his words and assurances that Sunshine Stars would not go on relegation, said the restructuring embarked on his administration, appreciated leaders and eminent citizens for believing in the ability to turn the fortunes of the team around.

Yusuf-Ogunleye also used the opportunity to appreciate all the crew members; both old and new, for their understanding of the necessary restructuring, saying, “This victory and success is our collective achievement.”

“Finally we have crossed the Rubicon.
We seek for your prayer and support as we engage Niger Tornadoes in Kaduna in our last match on Sunday to end the season.

” I also salute the courage of our Sunshine Queens players who lost in the quarter final of the President Federation Cup match to Delta Queens played at Benin City today.

“We are all winners, reaching the quarter final of a national game is not a joke. We would not have achieved this result if not for the support of our amiable governor even when there was no hope,” he said.