Sunshine Stars of Akure defeated Niger Tornadoes 2-1 in the Matchday 33 fixture of the 2021/2022 season of the Nigeria Professional Football League at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure on Sunday evening.
Niger Tornadoes made the first attempt on goal in the 10th minute of the match but Jonas Emmanuel missed a sitter after beating the last man before Learnado Ugochukwu gave Sunshine Stars the lead just two minutes later when he fired into the net a drive from the edge that beat Goalkeeper George Michael.
However, Jimmy Abdul equalized for the visitors with minutes away from the halftime whistle to bring the ‘Ikon Allah’ back into the encounter. The halftime whistle went off shortly after the goal as the first half ended 1-1 at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
Nwogbaga tried to restore the lead for the hosts in the 53rd minute with a header from Ugochukwu’s cross but Nigeria Tornadoes goalkeeper, George Michael was there to save it. Shortly, Sunshine Stars’ appeal for a penalty after a foul on Azeez Ajagbe was ignored by the referee.
The hosts again came close to scoring in the 62nd minute but Ajagbe’s effort from an indirect freekick lay up inside the area was denied by the visitors’ goalie.
Another breakthrough for the hosts in the 70th minute as Ikenna Cooper put the ‘Owena Waves’ back into the lead with his powerful header at the near post.
Goalkeeper Japhet Opubo parried the visitors’ effort in quest for an equalizer in the 84th minute before the flag went off for offside.
Sunshine Stars walked away with a 2-1 victory after 90 minutes of intense action in Ondo state capital city and vital three points in their push for a top spot finish this season.
The victory places Sunshine Stars 7th on the NPFL table with 48 points while Niger Tornadoes slipped down to 16th on the table with 39 points.
Results from other Matchday 33 fixtures;
Gombe United 2 vs 2 Dakkada
Kano Pillars 1 vs 1 Wikki Tourists
Nasarawa United 1 vs 0 Enugu Rangers
Shooting Stars 2 vs 1 Plateau United
Akwa United 1 vs Remo Stars 0
Enyimba 3 vs Keats United 0
Rivers United 2 vs 1 Abia Warriors
Lobi Stars 2 vs 1 Heartland
Katsina United 2 vs 1 MFM
