Sunshine Stars FC have been officially relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following their 2-1 home defeat to Niger Tornadoes at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday.

Head coach Bobola Akinfolarin has confirmed that the team is now awaiting management's decision on the way forward after their demotion to the lower division was confirmed with one match remaining in the 2024/25 season.

"The match against El Kanemi is just a formality," Akinfolarin stated, referring to their final fixture of the season scheduled to take place in Maiduguri. "We are only going there to honour the game and see what the management will decide after the match."

The Owena Whales, as they are fondly called, have endured a difficult campaign, recording just 11 wins, eight draws, and 17 defeats from their 37 NPFL matches played so far this season. This poor run of form has left them unable to escape the relegation zone with only one match remaining.

Their relegation marks a significant setback for the Akure-based club, which has been a regular fixture in Nigeria's top-flight football for several years. Fans and stakeholders will now be watching closely to see what changes the management might implement following this disappointing season.

The club's final NPFL match against El-Kanemi Warriors will be played in Maiduguri, with Sunshine Stars looking to end their top-flight campaign with dignity despite the confirmed relegation.