To begin the new season of the 2023/24 season of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Sunshine Stars unveiled nine new players, and five of them went straight into the starting line to help the Owena Whales defeat Kano Pillars at the Akure Township Stadium.

Rafiu Taiwo, Dennis Chigozie, Isiaka Mutiu, Oshimanga Junior, Nelson Osahon, Olufemi Opeyemi, Williams Ikechukwu Nwani, Lucky Nwafor, and Richard Christopher were the players that Sunshine Stars unveiled.

It only took the hosts 10 minutes to go upfront, courtesy of Oge Emmanuel’s goal, which immediately made the lanky midfielder the first scorer of the new season.

Afterwards, Kano Pillars grew into the game and almost grabbed an equaliser in the 17th minute, but Mafeng Pam’s header parried Mustapha Salisu’s shot.

The final minutes of the half saw a penalty appeal by Sunshine Stars denied by the centre referee after a challenge on Ibrahim Yusuf by Abdullahi Tayo inside the box.

Also, Kano Pillars made a surprising change before the halftime whistle, with Yusuf Abdullahi replacing Mustapha Salis.

The second half commenced after a 12-minute delay due to a disagreement on the sideline – the match commissioner refused to sanction the kick-off of the half until an individual vacated the bench area.

In the 52nd minute, Sunshine Stars failed to double the lead as Nelson Osahon fired a screamer wide off the post inside the 18-yard area. Less than a minute later, another clear goal-scoring opportunity came for the hosts, but forward Ibrahim Yusuf’s header struck the goalpost.

Kano Pillars’ first shot on target in the second half finally came in the 69th minute when league’s legend Rabiu Ali sent a through pass from the midfield to Yusuf Abdullahi in the Sunshine box, who then passed to Ibrahim Yuga, but the striker’s shot was easy for Lawal Mustapha to save.

After full time, Emmanuel’s goal was enough to secure the maximum three points for hosts, as Sunshine Stars kicked off the new season on a high note.

Meanwhile, there was a rare moment of appreciation of brilliance in the closing stage of the game, as Kano Pillars’ youngster Muhammad Aminu received a standing ovation from Sunshine Stars fans as the former Gombe United made way for Yusuf Bama Maigoro.