Despite approaching match day 36, some positions on the table have not been claimed yet even as Rivers United has been named Champions of the Nigerian Professional Football League NPFL 2021/2022. Plateau United has almost run away with the second place, claiming the second continental ticket from this year’s league.
Relegation battles are still on as non has finally been relegated yet, not even MFM because they still stand a mathematical chance of surviving.
Another battle still keenly contested is the battle for a continental spot next season. Right from 3rd place Remo Stars to 10th place Nasarawa United still stand a chance to represent the country in continental football next season as only six points separate them.
Seventh position Sunshine Stars of Akure are one of those who hope for a top-three finish in the 2021/2022 NPFL season. They took advantage of their home match while facing bottom-placed MFM and defeated them 2:1 at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
With two points shy of a top-three finish, Sunshine will hope to further close the gap on match day 36 when visiting Heartland in Owerri.
Speaking to pressmen in a post-match interview, coach of Sunshine Stars, Emmanuel Deutsch reflected on the last game and a possible top-three finish with just three matches remaining.
“I will not say I am hoping for a continental ticket neither will I say I am not hoping for one. We still have three more games and we will see what the matches give us. We have a home match against Remo Stars, a very good coach, Ogunbote.” Remo Stars sit in 3rd position, becoming the most advantageous among all seven jostling for the final continental ticket.
When questioned about why Sunshine didn’t get a convincing win, he made known that playing a relegation-threatened team is very difficult. “Anybody in a Relegation zone is a wounded lion. But I am actually happy we cannot relegate anymore”
Sunshine Stars will play away at Heartland on match day 36 come Sunday. They will also do battle with Remo Stars at home which poses to be a tricky encounter and finally face Kwara United on the final day of the league.
