Sunshine Stars had the last laugh after a ding-ding affair saw the tie against Ikorodu City ended 4-3 at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Owena Waves had to survive a huge scare after leading with a 3-goal margin before edging the tie by 4-3.
Ahmadu Liman's cross-cum-shot left City goalkeeper James Faith stunned as Sunshine's new signing got off the mark on 16 minutes in this Southwest Derby to put the host in front.
Poor goalkeeping by James Faith who failed to deal with Elma Arunta's initial effort allowed Promise Awosanmi to finish the follow-up on 21 minutes from close range to make it 2-0.
Off the bench in just a minute in place of Arunta, Alao Danlami scored from close range on 34 minutes to score the Akure Gunner's third of the day.
Shola Adelani pulled one back City on the stroke of halftime to give the visitors a lifeline.
Shola Adelani fired in his second of the game, left-footed, from the edge of the box to trim Sunshine's lead to one in the 66th minute.
Alao Danbani scored his second in this match in 74 minutes to restore Sunshine's two-goal lead and consolidate victory.
Emmanuel Solomon did pull one back for City in the 90th minute, but it will only be a consolation at the end of the encounter.
Uche Dozie