Sunshine Stars head coach Duke Udi believes his side have escaped relegation in the ongoing top-fl ight after a massive win against FC IfeanyiUbah.
Th e Owena Waves whipped the Anambra Warriors 4-0 in Sunday’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 37 clash at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode.
Ajibola Otegbeye scored from the penalty spot in the 18th minute to give the Akure landlords the lead and only goal in the fi rst half of the clash.
Central defender Kelechi Ogoh scored a brace in the 56th and 71st minute while former FC IfeanyiUbah attacking midfi elder Tope Orelope grabbed the winner for his side in the 80th minute to hand the Akure side the three points at stake.
Udi said his side met a tactically and technically sound side but insisted that the Akure outfi t were hungrier for the win.
“Yes, Sunshine Stars will certainly play in the topfl ight next season after this massive victory against FC IfeanyiUbah.
“I can tell you comfortably that we are completely out of relegation for this season with a game to go at Remo Stars.
“What we need at Remo Stars in Sagamu next Sunday is just a point to successfully put a seal on our top-fl ight stay.
“FC IfeanyiUbah are a good side tactically and technically, but we did not allow them room to operate in the game.
“Of course, the game was a-must-win for us but not a-must-win for FC IfeanyiUbah and we were hungrier for victory.
“We needed the three points badly to have a clear chance to avoid relegation so we went the extra mile in our performance.
“Right now we have our destiny in our own hands going into the fi nal day match at relegated Remo Stars.
“We always respect our opponents and we will respect Remo Stars as well. We will never underrate any side irrespective of their poor position on the log.
“I think the unity among the players and motivation from the management has helped us tremendously to stay clear of the drop especially since I joined the side,” said the former Osun United coach to supersport.com.
Sunshine Stars are 13th on the 20-team top-fl ight log on 51 points, 12 behind league leaders Plateau United.
