NPFL Relegation Battle: Ex-Captain Sunday Abe Urges Sunshine Stars to “Wake Up Before It’s Too Late”

As the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season inches toward its dramatic climax, Sunshine Stars find themselves in dangerous waters — 19th on the league table, winless in their last four games, and staring relegation in the face.

But despite the club’s precarious form, former captain Sunday Abe is holding on to hope, even if his words come with a sharp dose of reality.

“It’s painful to see the team in this mess, but let’s be honest – it’s not surprising,” Abe told Flashscore.
“The performances this season have been well below standard, and the results reflect that. Sentiment won’t save us.”

🚨 Sunshine in Crisis

It’s hard not to agree with Abe’s sentiments. The Owena Waves, once a proud and stable force in Nigerian football, now face the real threat of being pulled under. Under coach Bala Abubakar, the team has lacked rhythm and resilience, leaving fans worried and critics restless.

With just a handful of matches left to play, every game now becomes a final. Sitting in 19th, any further slip could confirm what fans dread the most — a painful relegation to the Nigeria National League (NNL).

💭 Opinion: Sunshine Stars Need More Than Hope — They Need Urgent Action

Sunday Abe’s words strike the perfect balance between frustration and belief. His honest critique of the club’s underwhelming performance is a wake-up call — “Hope is not a strategy.”

Yes, Sunshine Stars have survived similar scares in the past four seasons. But repeatedly gambling with relegation is not a survival tactic — it’s a warning sign. Eventually, the gamble won’t pay off.

The players must rise above their current form, the coaching crew needs to be bold with tactical decisions, and the management must support the team with urgency and clear direction. If not, the fall from the top flight could be more than a temporary setback — it could be the start of long-term decline.

🔚 Final Whistle: The time for complacency is over. For Sunshine Stars, this isn't just about avoiding relegation — it's about restoring pride, stability, and the fighting spirit the club was once known for. The question remains — will they act in time?

🟠⚫ The sun hasn’t set yet, but the horizon is looking dark. The next few matches will define Sunshine Stars’ future.