2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 31: Sunshine Stars host Heartland

Posted : 26 March 2025

After slipping into the red zone at the bottom of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), sitting in 19th position, Sunshine Stars FC will host another relegation-threatened team, Heartland International FC, in the rescheduled midweek clash of the 2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 31.

The Owena Whales will still host the Naze Millionaires in Ikenne, as their traditional home ground remains closed due to ongoing renovations at Akure Township Stadium.

The match against another relegation-threatened side, the Naze Millionaires, is exactly what Sunshine Stars need in their desperate battle against relegation.

The Owena Whales need a win to keep their survival hopes alive, while Heartland will aim to end the season with a positive result.

However, the coach of Sunshine Stars, Bala Abubakar, vowed to sustain momentum despite struggles in home games.

The seasoned tactician and Technical Adviser of Sunshine Stars FC declared his team's determination to avoid relegation despite the daunting challenges ahead.

Coach Abubakar acknowledged the difficulties his team has faced in the NPFL.

"We've had a tough season so far, and playing our home matches away from our traditional base has been a significant challenge," Coach Abubakar noted. "Without our fans to cheer us on, we've had to dig deep and exert double the effort. However, I believe the team is ready to fight to the finish and make our fans proud."

Coach Abubakar also revealed that the FA Cup match had provided valuable exposure for his players, highlighting technical aspects of the game that would benefit them in the league match.

"While we're pleased with today's result, we recognize that there's still much work to be done," Coach Abubakar emphasized. "My goal is to surpass my previous record in Challenge Cup history, and today's victory has put my team ahead in the race. However, we must not relent in the face of the significant challenges ahead."

For the Naze Millionaires, they have had some good results in the past that lifted them out of the relegation zone, but they are back to square one due to a series of poor results, especially their loss to the visiting Abia Warriors of Aba, which ended 0-1.

Head to head

Since 2022, Sunshine Stars and Heartland have played a total of 5 matches, with Sunshine Stars winning 1 and 2 matches ending in a draw.

Heartland - Sunshine Stars (10.11.2024) 1:0
Heartland - Sunshine Stars (03.03.2024) 1:1
Sunshine Stars - Heartland (14.10.2023) 1:1
Heartland - Sunshine Stars (02.07.2022) 1:0
Sunshine Stars - Heartland (02.03.2022) 3:1

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 31: Sunshine Stars host Heartland

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