2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 1: Bayelsa United FC tango with Sunshine Stars in Ijebu Ode

Posted : 07 September 2024

Bayelsa United will begin their campaign in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday against Sunshine Stars of Akure in Ijebu-Ode, Sunshine Stars' adopted home.

The Prosperity Boys, as they are nicknamed, will enter the match with a lot of positives after emerging as champions in the Governor Douye Diri Pre-Season Tournament last month.

One of the positive aspects for Bayelsa United is the appointment of Ladan Bosso as the head coach, which has served as a tonic, lifting the spirits of every player in the team to give their best.

Bayelsa United defeated Bendel Insurance 7-6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to clinch the trophy in the eight-team championship held at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

Last season, both sides shared the spoils in Yenagoa and Akure, with Kennedy Boboye as Sunshine Stars' coach and Meremu Okara in charge of Bayelsa United.

Statistics indicate that the last two meetings between the teams in the league have been close.

The Yenagoa-based side has won one and drawn two. Bayelsa United's last league win against Sunshine Stars was on April 30, 2023, at the Samson Siasia Stadium, thanks to a goal by Gomo Onduku in the 89th minute under coach Diepreye Teibowei.

The Owena Whales' only recent victory against Bayelsa United was in the Governor Douye Diri Pre-Season Tournament in Yenagoa on August 11, 2024, at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

During the transfer window, Bayelsa United made significant additions to the squad.

Top on the list are U-20 captain Daniel Bameyi from Yum Yum FC of Abuja, Hadi Mohammed from Akwa United, and Prosperity Cup discoveries Akpokabowei Solomon and Godbless Akpos, who joined from Eternal Grace Ministry (EGM) FC and Bendel Insurance, respectively.

Bayelsa United's Technical Adviser, Ladan Bosso, in a pre-match interview, said he is well-acquainted with his opponent and that his team has improved since their defeat to Sunshine Stars during the pre-season tournament.

Despite losing to Sunshine Stars in the Governor Douye Diri Pre-Season Tournament, Bosso believes the pressure will be greater on the hosts playing in Ijebu-Ode, pointing out that his team is prepared to face Sunshine Stars.

He explained that all the players have been cleared and are battle-ready for the game on Sunday, urging the fans and the people of the state to continue their support.

Head-to-Head:

Since 2015, Sunshine Stars and Bayelsa United FC have competed in 5 matches, with Sunshine Stars winning 2 and 2 matches ending in a draw.

Sunshine Stars - Bayelsa United FC (07.04.2024) 1:1
Bayelsa United FC - Sunshine Stars (19.11.2023) 1:1
Bayelsa United FC - Sunshine Stars (30.04.2023) 2:1
Sunshine Stars - Bayelsa United FC (05.02.2023) 1:0
Bayelsa United FC - Sunshine Stars (08.11.2015) 1:2

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 1: Bayelsa United FC tango with Sunshine Stars in Ijebu Ode

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