Henry Ayodele proved decisive as Sunshine Stars FC shared the spoils With Heartland FC in one of the match day one fixtures of the 2017/18 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in Owerri on Sunday.
In a game that had little to report in the opening half Henry Ayodele made some final period outstanding saves to deny the Naze Millionaires a perfect return party to the NPFL at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
The goalkeeper kept out Francis Momohs' effort from just inside the area with eight minutes left to play before going on to deny Junior Chukwudi and Biodun Thompson from point blank range in quick succession during a goalmouth melee.
Despite struggling to hit stride on the poor playing surface Sunshine Stars had the chance to nick maximum points when Ezekiel Thompson set up Franklin Sasere in front of goal at the tail-end of the game but the big framed striker's effort was blocked to safety minutes before the game came to an end.
Speaking after the match Sunshine Stars coach, Duke Udi and captain, Sunday Abe both expressed satisfaction with the result of the week one tie.
Duke Udi: _"We wanted a win here (Owerri) but I am satisfied with the point picked for a start and we are yet to play our best game."_
Abe: _"Before the match we challenged ourselves to win or at least get a draw and we are happy we got something from the game. Now we will play to win in Akure on Wednesday against Katsina United."_
*Sunshine Stars Match Stats*
Heartland FC 0-0 Sunshine Stars FC
*Sunshine Stars XI:* _Henry Ayodele, Sunday Abe (C), Abiodun Joseph (77' Yahuza Bala), Jide Fatokun, Anthony Omaka, Sikiru Alimi (71' Franklin Sasere), Ezekiel Thompson, Kehinde Adedipe (55' Tayo Adebogun), Nojeem Raji, Bayo Adigun, Alaba Adeniyi_
*Unused Subs:* _David Ariyo, Ezekiel Boboye, Yusuf Jaiyeola, Nwakanma Ikedinachi_
*Caution:* Ayodele 71' Omaka 90+3'
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