Sunshine Stars and Warri Wolves ended their first clash in the top-flight since 2016 in an engaging 1-1 draw in Akure.
It was a match that had the home side fighting back for a share of the spoils.
Both goals came in the first half. Very much against the run of play, Upele Charles rose highest to head Warri Wolves into the lead from a corner kick by former Sunshine man, Egbeta Michael.
Sunshine took only six minutes to gain parity. Israel Abia, who had missed a hat trick of good chances prior, finally found the composure to slot in low to the keeper’s right after creating some space for himself on the edge of the Wolves box in the 36th minute of play.
It was at that point, the least Sunshine Stars deserved. Abia had been presented the first clear chance of the match on the 6th minute but fired way over the bar. It was his third wayward shot that drew loud groans from the home crowd as frustration grew.
The mood was made worse by Upele’s goal. It turned out to be Warri’s only shot on target all afternoon, from what was the first of just two corner kicks they won.
Their second half play was even more conservative than the first as they closed much of the space afforded Sunshine in the first half.
As the match wore on, there were half chances for the hardworking Abia, captain Sunday Abe and Omaka Anthony but all were easily grabbed by Warri keeper, Ocheayi Richard.
And the away side could even have won it, much against the flow of the game, if Okoyoh Michael had found target from a rare attack in the closing stages.
NPFL
