Head Coach of Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure, Duke Udi, says his team is fully prepared for the challenges ahead as they begin their 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign against Edel FC of Awka on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Udi, a former Super Eagles player, said the players were highly motivated and determined to make a positive impression in the new season.
He explained that the team had undergone intensive training sessions in preparation for the campaign, while some promising players from the Sunshine Stars U-19 team had been promoted to the senior squad. Other players were also retained and invited to strengthen competition for places in the team.
The former Super Eagles international added that Sunshine Stars participated in pre-season tournaments and other friendly matches to assess the players’ abilities, improve team cohesion and determine the best combinations ahead of the league.
Udi commended the management of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), led by Mr Devine Ogbonaya, for its vision and commitment to football development.
He particularly applauded the ongoing infrastructural development at the Games Village along Oda Road, Akure, noting that improved facilities would provide an enabling environment for teams under the agency to thrive.
The Sunshine Stars tactician expressed confidence that his team would give its best to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
He also appealed to supporters and lovers of football in Ondo State to turn out in large numbers during the club’s home matches, stressing that the importance of fans’ support to the team’s success could not be overemphasised.
Isaac Afolabi,
Media Officer,
Sunshine Stars FC.