Sunshine Stars will seek to continue with their five-match unbeaten run in meetings with Abia Warriors when both sides face off in a 2017/18 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match day five tie at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday.
Abiodun Joseph’s goal earned the Akure Landlords a point in this tie last season, before the sensational winger went on to score the solitary goal in the sides last clash at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode in June 2017 to hand coach Duke Udi his first win in charge of Sunshine Stars.
In the lsst five matches with Abia Warriors, Sunshine Stars have won thrice and shared the spoils on two occasions and following a midweek 2-0 win over Rivers United, Udi’s charges will seek to extend the positive run against the Ochendo Boys to keep the early season momentum going.
However, Abia Warriors too have not been disappointing in the new season. The Emmanuel Deutsch tutored side have won all matches played at home this season to nick six points from the opening four fixtures of the 2017/18 season under the Cameroonian tactician.
*Previous Meetings*
02/07/17 Sunshine 1-0 Abia Warriors
08/02/17 Abia Warriors 1-1 Sunshine
05/06/16 Sunshine 1-1 Abia Warriors
22/05/16 Abia Warriors 1-2 Sunshine
27/09/15 Sunshine 1-0 Abia Warriors
*Udi’s submission*
Udi who have included former Abia Warriors players, Moses Ocheije, Seun Olulayo and Yahuza Bala in the trip to Umuahia declared his intent for the match day five tie.
_”Abia Warriors are a good side but like I always say we are here to fight for result. We have about three of their former players with us and they at least have two of our former players (Agbor Ekoi and Kelechi Ogoh) so old friends will reunite but it will be a tough game.”_
*Team News*
Rock Durand remained out despite huge progress made in his recovery from a thigh injury as fellow defender Kehinde Adeyemi is nursing a knee a complaint that will put his Sunshine Stars debut on hold for at least another match day.
Ezekiel Thompson remained sidelined as well with the rib injury sustained on match day three at Nasarawa United while Sikiru Alimi shake off a toe injury early enough for Sunday’s clash.
Credit – Sunshine Stars FC
