Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure in Ondo State has formalized a sponsorship partnership with Sunbeth Nigeria Limited. According to Punch, the agreement is intended to bolster the club’s performance in the ongoing Nigeria National League (NNL). The collaboration was facilitated by Solution Check, a firm that mediated the deal between the sports entity and the corporate sponsor.
Divine Ogbonaya, the president of Sunshine Stars, announced the partnership on Sunday, describing it as a significant morale booster for the squad. He stated that the financial support would help motivate both players and club officials. Ogbonaya used the platform to appeal for the extension of this partnership to other teams managed by the same agency, specifically naming the Sunshine Queens, the U19, U17, and U15 squads. He emphasized that regular payment of salaries and winning bonuses would continue to be a priority under the new arrangement.
The club president attributed the recent upward trajectory of the team to structural improvements implemented by the Ondo State Football Association (ODSFA) board less than a year ago. He noted that two players developed under this new framework have already represented Nigeria at the FIFA U20 World Cup. Ogbonaya linked these developments to the directives of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, asserting that the foundation laid in Ondo State is yielding tangible results in player development.
Adebayo Kupoluyi, the head of warehouse operations and compliance at Sunbeth Nigeria Limited, explained that the company’s interest in the club stemmed from a desire to invest in local businesses and communities. He argued that football serves as an effective platform for community connection. Kupoluyi described the investment as mutually beneficial, stating that the sport is fun yet represents a serious investment for both the investor and the community.
Adedeji Adegbenro, representing Solution Check, congratulated both parties on the milestone. He urged the media to report objectively while highlighting positive developments in the sports sector. Adegbenro acknowledged that the club’s current standing in the NNL is below its traditional status but expressed confidence that collective support would facilitate a return to the elite league. The partnership marks a strategic move for Sunshine Stars as they navigate the 2026/27 campaign with renewed financial backing.