It was a historic moment as Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure sealed a sponsorship partnership with Sunbet Global Concept, in a development expected to boost the club’s ambition of returning to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The ceremony attracted key stakeholders in the football sector, who witnessed the signing with excitement and renewed commitment to supporting the Owena Whales’ promotion campaign at the end of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), Mr Divine Ogbonaya, expressed delight over the partnership, appreciating Sunbet for identifying with the vision of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to advance sports development in the state.
Describing the sponsorship deal as monumental, Mr Ogbonaya assured the company of a rewarding partnership, stressing that Sunshine Stars fc would deliver value through improved coordination, commitment and performance.
He further assured Sunbet global concept that the club was better prepared to make both Ondo State and its new corporate partner proud.
On his part, Sunbet’s Head of Warehouse Operations and Compliance, Mr Adebayo Kupoluyi, said the company’s decision to partner with Sunshine Stars was informed by the club’s rich history and remarkable achievements since its establishment in 1995.
He highlighted the club’s impressive continental exploits and its representation of Nigeria and Ondo State in CAF competitions as major factors behind the partnership.
Mr Kupoluyi also assured ODSFA of Sunbet’s commitment to a long-term relationship with the club, adding that the organisation would explore opportunities to extend its support to other teams, including Sunshine Queens and Sunshine Stars U-19.
Also speaking, the facilitator and representative of Solution Check, Mr Ayodeji Adegbenro, commended the mutual understanding between Sunshine Stars and Sunbet, noting that the partnership would boost players’ morale and attract more fans and stakeholders to the club.
Mr Adegbenro, however, appealed to the people of Ondo State, Sunshine Stars supporters and the media to give the club maximum support in its quest to return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
The colourful ceremony was attended by management representatives of Sunbet global concept and ODSFA, members of the Sunshine Stars Supporters Club and other football enthusiasts.
Isaac Afolabi,
Media Officer,
Sunshine Stars FC,
13/11/2026.