Sunshine Stars steamrolled their way through a lethargic El-Kanemi Warriors to claim a 3-0 win and extend their unbeaten run to 6 games.
Afolabi Okiki took his season's tally to 5 goals by despatching an early penalty after 15 minutes. Oladuntoye Isiaka flicked in cheekily from Dayo Ojo's low corner kick to extend he the advantage four minutes past the break, and Ojo himself rounded off the scoring by converting another penalty with seconds to go.
The last time Sunshine Stars lost a game was in mid-March, against Giwa FC. Since then, they have claimed 3 draws on the road, and won twice at home. El-Kanemi never looked remotely like snapping that unbeaten streak.
Ladan Bosso started former Sunshine defender Hele Isaac, presumably for his inside knowledge of his former club. But it proved to be of little effect, as he could do nothing about Hussaini Mohammed scything down Nigeria international Benjamin Francis.
Okiki made no mistake from the spot.
Okiki made no mistake from the spot.
Ojo could have doubled the advantage within two minutes, but hit the side netting after skipping past Hele.
And the midfielder was inches away from creating another. His lofted ball from within his own half was inch perfect for Stanley Dimgba, whose first time clip was saved by the outstanding Kazim Yekini.
El-Kanemi failed to muster a single shot on target for the first 45 minutes, with their best effort being a Lucky Erimuya freekick that sailed over the top.
Sunshine were as enterprising as their fans were vocal, and were two up within four minutes of the restart.
Ojo sent in a mid height corner kick, and Isiaka flicked in despite some close attention. The hosts were having fun at that point, and restricted El Kanemi to freekick S that they completely wasted.
All the second half chances again fell to Sunshine, with Kadiri Samad and Ojo spurning useful opportunities. El kanemi's best chance came with 75 minutes played. Mathias Samuel clipped the post with a one time effort. Then Ibrahim Mustapha hit the side netting when the improperly cleared ball returned seconds later.
But it all came to nought in the 90th minute. Substitute Razaq Adegbite, within seconds of coming on for Okiki, went on a marauding 50 yard run, got clipped, and won the penalty. Ojo stepped up and capped a stand out performance with a goal that out the icing on a very satisfying result.
Ladan Bosso was left to rue the poor defending and set piece taking by his El Kanemi players.
"The way we defended was very disappointing, that is why we gave away those penalties," he said. And we failed to take our chances wth all the free kicks that we had. It is something we have to go back and work on."
"The way we defended was very disappointing, that is why we gave away those penalties," he said. And we failed to take our chances wth all the free kicks that we had. It is something we have to go back and work on."
No such problems for Solomon Ogbeide, who was left beaming, and for more than just the 3 points.
"We played a good game today. We should have scored more than that. But I'm happy because one of our fans promised to make me a new suit if we won by 3 goals or more, so the next time you see me, I might be wearing a new suit courtesy of this win!"
