The Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure is set to reopen its doors to Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Sunshine Stars, with the team expected to host their first home game at the stadium by February 2025. This exciting development was confirmed on Wednesday by the project manager, Sani Muhammed, who assured fans that work on the facility is progressing as planned.

For Sunshine Stars, the journey back to their home turf has been eagerly anticipated by fans and stakeholders alike. The team has been playing their home fixtures at alternative venues, including the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode and the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, while the Akure complex underwent renovations.

“The company can assure the fans and stakeholders in Ondo State that Sunshine Stars will play its first home game this season in Akure by February 2025,” Muhammed stated during a media briefing in Akure.

Challenges and Progress

Muhammed explained that the delays were largely due to the specialized nature of the project. The grasses for the new pitch, sourced internationally, require meticulous processes of production and clearing before installation.

“We are currently in the process of clearing, and I can guarantee you that come February this year, Sunshine Stars will be back at the home ground,” he added confidently.

This update will likely bolster optimism among the team’s supporters, who have had to endure the inconvenience of traveling to support their team at distant venues.

Opinion: A Boost for Sunshine Stars and Ondo State Football

The return to Akure could mark a turning point for Sunshine Stars, both on and off the pitch. A home ground often provides an intangible advantage, fostering a sense of belonging and inspiring players to perform better in front of their supporters. The presence of fans cheering from the stands at the Ondo State Sports Complex could reinvigorate the team’s campaign in the NPFL.

Moreover, the reopening of the stadium is a win for football development in Ondo State. A modernized facility will not only host Sunshine Stars’ games but could also attract other football and sporting events, boosting the local economy and nurturing young talents.

A New Era Beckons

Sunshine Stars’ anticipated return to Akure underscores the importance of investing in sporting infrastructure. As the team prepares for this significant homecoming, fans can look forward to experiencing the thrill of NPFL action in a state-of-the-art facility that reflects the ambition of the team and the state.

For the Sunshine Stars faithful, February 2025 can’t come soon enough. This return promises not just a geographical shift but a revitalization of football culture in Akure.