Henry Abiodun praises Sunshine Stars' efforts in Heartland win

Head coach Henry Abiodun has heaped praise on his Sunshine Stars players for their fantastic performance following their 2-1 win over Heartland at the Akure Sports Complex on Sunday.

Following their 1-0 defeat to Lobi Stars in Makurdi, the Owena Whales saw their survival hopes suffer another setback but were eyeing three points against the rock bottom Naze Millionaires.

After 12 minutes in the game, the hosts secured a vital lead through in-form Sikiri Alimi before Franklin Sasere doubled their advantage 10 minutes later in the opening first half.

However, Fortune Omoniware's header a minute after the restart helped the visitors pull one back but the home side held their nerves to secure their seventh win in 21 outing this season.

Having moved out of the drop zone, the tactician believes the victory could be their turning point having endured some turbulent periods this season, while he set sights on securing a win in Katsina.

"I am very happy for the win and must congratulations to my players and the team," Abiodun told media.

"Football is a game of momentum, after conceding Heartland's goal we had to ensure that we put many things in check to secure the win. Again, I praised my boys for their efforts.

"Yes, the win could be the turning point for us and I still hope we get out of the relegation fight before the world cup break. 

"For us, training resumes immediately from Monday's evening, we are going to Katsina to fight for the maximum points."

The win took relegation-haunted Sunshine Stars out of the bottom four to 16th on the log with 24 points from 21 outings.