Dakkada bow to Akure's Sunshine in Uyo

Red-hot Sadeeq Yusuf bagged a brace to cap Sunshine Stars five-star performance with victory in a frenetic matchday six encounter against Dakadda FC at the Nest of Champions, Uyo.

Coachch Ggenga Ogunbote rang few Changes to the starting line up, handling a second start of the season to attacking midfielder, Yusuf and resting injured Kehinde Adeyemi for Habib Yakubu.

The game opened up quickly and the hosts tested goalkeeper Ariyo David's pedigree; the goalie responded with two crucial saves inside the first five minutes, denying the hosts of an early breakthrough.

Despite having a penalty appeal turned down earlier on for handball, the Owena Whales gathered momentum and registered the first attempt on target from a Kabiru Tijani's freekick.

The resulting corner kick from the save on the free kick was delivered by Seun Olulayo and there was no denying Yusuf, who headed home the opener and his third goal of the season.

Dakkada mounted pressure and pushed for a leveler, but centre back Olatunde Abisoye and goalkeeper Ariyo made important blocks to ensure Sunshine Stars lead into the break.

The second half resumed with the same urgency with momentum swinging in either side.

Sunshine Stars went close in the 57th minute with goal scrorer, Yusuf, but the current league top scorer was unable to put a clinical final touch on Ayo Adejubu's audacious move.

At the other end, Abisoye and Bright Akpojuvewho soaked all the pressure from Dakadda's threat with full backs, Olulayo and Ebuka Akobundu providing good cover from the rears.

Minutes after Chinedu Udechukwu was denied by the post, Sunshine Stars doubled the advantage in the 63rd-minute through Yusuf who hit the back of the net from another Seun Olulayo's assist.

However, the celebration had barely ended when the hosts hit back to halve the defict through Jesam Edet.

Dakkada turned up the heat, in search of a possible equalizer but Ariyo was up to the saves to maintain the lead.

Sunshine Stars didn't stop creating with winger, Fuad Ekelojuoti going close twice in the closing stages; he forced Olawale Oremade into good save in the 76th minute before firing high from Waheed Adebayo's squre pass in the 84th minute.

The lads held on in stoppage time and pocketed a devserved win on the road.

Comments

Showtime Flag Football Unveils Ambitious Plans for Nationwide Expansion

In the aftermath of the electrifying 2025 Showtime Bowl in Lagos, Azeez Amida, Chairman of Showtime Flag Football, has revealed immediate plans for a nationwide expansion of the league. The sold-out event, which marked the end of the season, drew fans, families, and sports enthusiasts from across the city and showcased the league's potential for growth. Azeez Amida, Chairman of Showtime Flag Football Amida announced plans to expand the league to six states by the end of 2026, signaling a new era for flag football in Nigeria. "We're expanding. By the end of next year, we aim to be in at least six states. The goal is to spread Showtime Flag Football across Nigeria and introduce more communities to this incredible sport," Amida said. Beyond geographic expansion, Amida shared his long-term vision: creating a viable professional pathway for aspiring flag football players within Nigeria. "We want our players to dream big to the point where they can say, 'I want to ...

Olajide Omotayo shines as Nigerians dominate men's singles

Olajide Omotayo gave an inkling of what he has in stock again at the 12th African Games as the Nigerian defeated one of the continent's most celebrated star - Egypt's Ahmed Saleh 4-3 in the quarterfinal of men's singles to berth in the semifinal of table tennis. A jubilant Olajide Omotayo Omotayo was all over the Egyptian in the encounter which had the fans glued to their seat throughout the match. The Nigerian combined his backhand with forehand smoothly and this confused the Egyptian who had to surrendered to the youthful Nigerian star. Aside Omotayo, Aruna Quadri also walloped Congo Brazzaville's Saheed Idowu 4-0 to berth in the last four and set up a rematch of the ITTF Africa Cup against Egypt's Omar Assar on Thursday August 29. Seven-time Olympian Segun Toriola was at his very best when he also beat Egypt's Khalid Assar 4-3 to set up a semifinal clash against Omotayo. In the women's event, Olufunke Oshonaike played her last game after going ...

REAL MADRID ACADEMY: NEW ACADEMIC SESSION TO COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER SAYS GOVERNOR WIKE

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has disclosed that the Real Madrid Academy program in Port Harcourt will commence fresh academic session by September. The Governor stated this Thursday after he inspected construction work on student's classrooms and hostels at the academy. Governor Wike who was accompanied on the inspection tour by the Rivers State State Commissioner for Sports, Mr Boma Iyaye and the Special Adviser on Real Madrid Academy, Barr Christopher Green said the contractors are to complete their work by August to enable the academy start with the new academic session in September. He went further to say that the Academy is a world class football development program which also gives students the opportunity to develop academically. After their time at the academy, students who would not pursue a career playing football would have the chance to continue with their academics or pursue careers in other aspects of football management which will be taught at...

CMSPORTS

Search This Blog