Former Super Eagles Forward Aims To Lead Sunshine Back To NPFL

Former Super Eagles Forward Aims To Lead Sunshine Back To NPFL 

By Niyi Busari 

Former Super Eagles forward Duke Udi has set his sights on guiding Sunshine Stars back to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after taking charge of the club ahead of the ongoing Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Sunshine Stars were among the four teams relegated from the top flight at the end of last season, but Udi says he is determined to secure one of the available promotion slots and restore the Akure-based club to the elite division.

Speaking after his appointment, Udi revealed that he began the current season with First Bank FC of Lagos, where he had already overseen two league matches, including a 2–0 victory over Ekiti United at the Onikan Stadium. However, he admitted that the opportunity to return to Sunshine Stars was too appealing to turn down.

“I had just started work with First Bank FC and had played two matches. We won one of them 2–0 against Ekiti United,” Udi said. “Then Sunshine Stars came calling, and I decided to return. I was head coach here eight years ago, so coming back feels like a dream come true.”

Udi will be assisted by fellow former professional footballer Tony Alegbe as he begins his second spell with the club.

The former international will aim for a positive start when Sunshine Stars face Crown FC of Ogbomosho away from home at the resumption of the NNL on February 14.

Sunshine Stars currently sit sixth on the NNL standings with 10 points from eight matches.

Udi was first appointed head coach of Sunshine Stars on June 20, 2017, replacing Austin Eguavoen following his resignation. He arrived with experience from his previous role at Osun United FC and will be hoping to draw on that background as he looks to steer the club back to the top flight.