Sunshine Stars will escape relegation, Bala promises

Sunshine Stars coach Abubakar Bala remains confident that the Akure-based side will not be relegated in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League following their resurgence in their last two games, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.

After edging Kwara United 4-2 last week, Bala’s side picked up a crucial point on the road on Sunday, forcing a 1-1 draw against Nasarawa United in Lafia.

Ahmadu Liman was the hero again, getting them levelled before halftime after their hosts took an early lead.

Despite avoiding defeat in their last two games, Sunshine Stars are currently placed 18th in the table with 32 points and a huge goal deficit of -15 after 28 games.

The coach, who took over the reins of the club in mid-season, is looking at the bright side with 10 more games to go this season.

“It was a hard-fought one. The boys did that and we are grateful for that. Since the commencement of the second round, we haven’t got any win on the road and we believe the boys are making amends for weaknesses in our away matches. We hope we see more points on the road,” Bala told our correspondent.

“We are working hard on our concentration and finishing. We scored four goals in our last home game. That way we will get more points home and away and after two or three more games, we will be out of the red zone.”

Sunshine Stars have endured mixed fortunes in the ongoing season, starting their campaign fairly before seeing their fortunes dwindle.

After 28 games, they have only managed nine wins, drawing five and losing 14 games.

They have also not been decent at the back, letting in a whopping 41 goals, the highest by any team this season and that leaves them with a -15 goal deficit.

Their next game is against another relegation-threatened side Plateau United at their adopted home ground in Ikenne.