Sunshine Stars became the second club to be relegated in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League, following their 2-1 home defeat against fellow strugglers Niger Tornadoes in Ijebu Ode
The Akure-based side have been in the Nigerian topflight for 17 years after being promoted in 2008.
Sunshine Stars went into the match-day 37 game with 41 points, needing three points to keep their survival hopes until the last day.
Their visitors, who sat two places above them with 45 points before kick off, had better plans to escape relegation and they took the lead in the first half through Ismail Sarki before Liman Ahmadu equalised for the Owena Whales before the break.
Daniel Akanbek restored Tornadoes lead with a spectacular goal in the 76th minute, and that proved enough for their fifth away win of the season.
After the win, Niger Tornadoes have now moved out of the relegation zone into the 14th place with 48 points and are in need of at least a point in their last home game against Kano Pillars to survive.
The defeat left Sunshine Stars on 41 points, meaning a win in their next game against El-Kanemi Warriors won’t be enough for their safety.
Sunshine Stars have now joined Lobi Stars as the two teams to have been relegated so far with five other teams still battling against the drop into the remaining two positions.
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In Sunshine Stars 17-year run in the league, their best days were between 2010 and 2012 when they picked continental tickets and also got into the semi-finals of both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
They will now brace for life in the second tier at the refurbished Ondo State Sports Complex which was unavailable for their use throughout this campaign.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
