Ayo Saka has backed Sunshine Stars to bounce back to restore the club’s pride in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Saka, whose first half goal earned Sunshine Stars a slim 1-0 victory against Rivers United on Sunday at the Akure Sports Stadium, admitted the team had a bad start to the 2016/17 NPFL season but believes they are coming back with a bang.
"Winning just a match in our previous five or six matches really hurts, that's not good enough for a top club like Sunshine Stars," Saka told npfl.ng in an interview.
"Although, our victory against Rivers United was a slim one but I must confess it came through hard work. Rivers United is a top club, not only in the Nigeria Professional Football League but also a team to reckon with on the continent right now.
"It doesn't matter whether we score by a high or low margin, what is important is winning and I'm glad we won the match as a team. Having said that, scoring the only goal of the game gives me renewed energy to look forward for more", he said.
Saka said the 'storm is over' in Akure, that pending issues are being resolved by management of the club.
He described the team as a collection of experienced and young players who are thirsty for glory.
"Sunshine Stars is back to its winning ways, we have endured some hardship and the new feeling in camp shows that our dark days are over.
"This club is blessed with many talented players who want to win titles. So, expect a rejuvenated Sunshine Stars," Saka said.
Saka also spared a moment to praise coach Kayode Olujohungbe for carrying the team on despite their recent challenges.
He expressed confidence the Akure Gunners will play their hearts out to grab the points at stake in their next match against El-Kanemi Warriors and subsequent games to make their teeming fans happy.