Sunshine Stars players, owner, stadium, coach, trophies, world rankings

Sunshine Stars FC is a Nigerian football club based in Akure, South West of Nigeria. The club plays in the country's top-tier league, Nigeria's Professional Football League (NPFL). Join us as we look at details about the club, including Sunshine Stars players, management, achievements, and much more.

The Akure-based club has struggled to impress in the domestic league for many seasons, usually surviving relegation by a whisker. The team narrowly escaped demotion in the 2020/21 season after finishing 16th in the table, just four points above the danger zone. However, the club will be hoping to do better in the new season of 2021/22. So, what is Sunshine Stars FC's history?

Sunshine Stars FC's profile

• Full name: Sunshine Stars Football Club
• Nickname: Akure Gunners, the Owena Waves
• Founded: 1995
• Based in: Akure, South-West Nigeria
• Owners: Ondo State Government
• Chairman: Akin Akinbobola
• Sunshine Stars coach: Ayodeji Aiyeni
• League: Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)
• Arena/Stadium: Akure Township Stadium
• Stadium capacity: 10,000 people
• Sunshine Stars FC Instagram: @sunshinefcakure

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History

The Nigerian club was formed in 1995 by the Ondo State Government under the leadership of Colonel Ahmed Usman. However, it took the team about five years to secure promotion to the top league. In 2009, the Akure Gunners and Gombe United represented Nigeria in the West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup. The tournament features clubs in the West African sub-region.

Sunshine Stars' management has worked hard over the years to ensure the club remains competitive by acquiring some of the best talents in the country. So who is Sunshine Stars' owner? The club is managed by the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), with the chairman, Akin Akinbobola, running key activities.

Sunshine Stars FC achievements

Despite playing many years in Nigeria's top-flight football, the Akure Gunners are yet to win a title. The trophyless spell has left most fans worried about the club's future, while some still keep hopes alive of witnessing the team lift a title.

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Sunshine Stars FC's stadium

The club plays its home games at the Akure Township Stadium in Akure, Nigeria. It has a capacity of 10,000 people. However, the stadium has recently been under renovation, forcing the team to play their matches in Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, Ogun.

Sunshine Stars FC squad

Who is Sunshine Stars' captain? Midfielder Babatunde Bello is currently the skipper of the team. Bello scored a crucial goal in the club's 3-0 victory over Kano Plains to register their first league victory in the 2021/22 season. Here is a list of Sunshine Stars players.

Goalkeepers

• David Ariyo
• Saliu Suleiman
• Henry Ayodele
• Uche Okafor
• Japhet Opubo

Defenders

• Habib Yakub
• Ebuka Akobundu
• Ayodeji Akinlose
• Akindoyin Nasiru
• Bright Favour Akpojuvwevwo
• Jide Jimoh
• Jamiu Alimi
• Isiaka Oladuntoye
• Abisoye Olawale Olatunde
• Lawal Murtadah Oladipupo
• Ejike Uzoechi
• Yusuf Olayinka
• Chigozie Chilekwu
• Quazeem Obanigba
• Jonathan Zikiye Jonathan Zikiye
• Emmanuel James

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Midfielders

• Adekunle Niyi
• Tolu Oluwole
• Adeyeye Adeyemi
• Kabiru Tijjani
• Ibrahim Ajani
• Sheriff Amuda
• Ikenna Cooper
• Samson Olasupo
• Seun Begbaji
• Uzochukwu Ogunna
• Tope Akande
• Vincent Temitope
• Yusuf Afeez
• Adebayo Odumosu
• Michael Olulasi
• Sunday Nwodu
• Michael Olulasi
• Sunday Nwodu
• Bello Babatunde Martins
• Joseph Abiodun Joseph Abiodun
• Fuad Ekeleojuoti

Forwards

• Chinedu Udechukwu
• Frederick Obomate
• Adeniyi Alaba
• Waheed Adebayo
• Sunday Emmanuel
• Kolade Adeniji
• Ocheme Edoh
• Samuel Felix Agba

Sunshine Stars players salary

Like many teams in Africa, the Owena Waves have also struggled to pay some of their players in the past. In March 2021, several footballers, led by former Sunshine Stars' captain, Abe Sunday, took to the streets to demonstrate unpaid salaries and bonuses. Although some issues are being resolved, others still need attention and perhaps time to help the club succeed.

So, who is the highest-paid player in Sunshine Stars? Talented striker Sunday Emmanuel is currently considered the top-paid player on the team. Sunday Emmanuel's net worth is estimated to be a whopping $1.5 million.

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Sunshine Stars FC world ranking

According to Football Database, the Owena Waves ranks 861 globally and 90 in Africa. In Nigeria, the club ranks 10.

The new season offers yet another opportunity for Sunshine Stars' players and management to improve its reputation and cement its place among top teams in Nigeria. However, it is a daunting task that requires time to fix.

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