Sunshine Stars, Akwa United Apologize To Fans Over Relegation To NNL

Sunshine Stars, Akwa United Apologize To Fans Over Relegation To NNL

Precious Oham

The management of Sunshine Stars and Akwa United have issued an apology letter to their fans following the club's relegation to the Nigeria National League, NNL, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Sunshine Stars in a statement reads: "The Caretaker Committee of Sunshine Stars Football Club of Ondo State wishes to officially express deep pain and tender a heartfelt apology to our global fans, particularly the passionate sports-loving people of Ondo State, over the unfortunate relegation of our team from the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). There is no doubt that the Owena Whales, our beloved Sunshine Stars and pride of the people, do not deserve to be in this position, especially considering our past exploits both on the national scene and the continental stage. We remain the only Nigerian domestic football team to have participated in the CAF Champions League semifinal stage from the year 2012 till date a milestone that continues to inspire pride. As a committee, we are grateful for the opportunity given to us by His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to lead the team, especially during this critical period. We deeply appreciate his unwavering support in all aspects. We sincerely regret the outcome of this season and fully understand the pain, frustration, and disappointment it has caused since we took over the helm of affairs a few weeks ago. To our loyal fans, your heartbreak is ours as well. We feel it deeply, and we can only assure you of a stronger, more determined Sunshine Stars shortly."

Akwa United, on their part, issued a statement saying: "Akwa United Football Club wish to express our disappointment and apologize to everyone associated with our club over our inability to retain our league status for top-flight football next season.

"We fought hard as a club throughout the season to get into our rhythm, but our results, especially at home, were rather not good enough as we dropped eighteen points (18) at home while picking just five (5) on the road.

 "We are particularly disappointed that after fourteen (14) seasons in the Premier League - a period in which we won two FA Cups in 2015 and 2017 and the league title in 2021, the 2024-25 season has come to an end with us being relegated from the NPFL.

"This situation is hugely disappointing and embarrassing to the government and the wonderful people of our state as well as our fans, supporters, partners and sponsors. Now is the time to demonstrate love, strength and unity more than ever going forward."