By: Abiodun Adewale.
Sunshine Stars coach Edith Agoye has dedicated his side’s 2-0 win over Doma United in their match-day 16 Nigeria Premier Football League game in Akure on Wednesday to the late former governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), and their late assistant kits manager Taiwo Dosunmu, The PUNCH reports.
A 20th minute goal from Emmanuel Isaac, as well as another strike from Opeoluwa Olufemi after the break ensured the bereaved team finished the day with some relief as they had also been winless in their previous three games.
The encounter kicked off on a sour note for the Sunshine, who lost Dosunmu last Friday after he was shot by unknown gunmen on their way to honour a game in Benin City earlier this month, while Akeredolu died in the early hours of Wednesday after a prolonged battle with illness.
A minute’s silence was observed for Akeredolu and Dosnmu before the start of the game, just as Agoye and his Doma United counterpart, Akinade Onigbinde, laid wreaths in honour of both men.
In his post-match interview, Agoye commended his players for their resilience despite suffering two huge human losses.
“It was a bad week for Ondo State and for the team, losing two great people in a week was bad. We have lost so many things and we could not afford to lose the match, so we had to do everything to ensure we won for the departed souls,” Agoye said after the game.
Meanwhile, Dosunmu will be buried on Friday in Akure while a candle light procession will also be held in his honour by the players on Thursday (today).