Sunshine Stars Get Green Light to Return to Dipo Dina Stadium

Sunshine Stars have been cleared by the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL to play their remaining home fixtures this season at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode. The approval marks a return to familiar territory after the team had been forced to play home matches at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne due to concerns over the pitch quality in Ijebu Ode.

Previously, the Owena Waves had temporarily relocated to Ijebu Ode while their traditional ground, the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, underwent renovations. However, the poor condition of the Dipo Dina pitch led to another shift, this time to Ikenne.

In a statement issued by NPFL Chief Executive Officer, Davidson Owumi, the decision to allow Sunshine Stars to return was based on improvements made to the stadium and difficulties posed by scheduling and logistics at their alternate venue.

The statement read, “However, going by the logistics and scheduling problems encountered at the Remo Stars Stadium, and Dipo Dina Stadium having met our conditions, you are hereby granted an approval for the use of the above-mentioned facility.”

Sunshine Stars, currently 19th on the NPFL table with 33 points from 30 matches, will host Heartland at the Dipo Dina Stadium in a matchday 31 clash scheduled for Wednesday.

Editorial

We welcome the NPFL’s decision to allow Sunshine Stars back to the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium. It is a move that reflects both common sense and the importance of home advantage in a league where travel challenges and logistical hurdles can weigh heavily on clubs.

For a team battling relegation, familiarity with the pitch, fan support, and reduced travel stress can be the difference between survival and the drop. Sunshine Stars have struggled this season, and asking them to fight for their lives without the comfort of a true home ground was never going to help.

We must also commend the league for enforcing minimum standards when the pitch at Dipo Dina was deemed unfit. It sends a message that quality must be upheld even if that means tough temporary measures. But having acknowledged the difficulties faced at Ikenne, the decision to reverse course was a balanced one.

Football isn’t just about tactics and talent. It’s also about rhythm, routine, and rallying behind familiar surroundings. Returning to Ijebu Ode may not solve all of Sunshine Stars’ problems, but it gives them a fighting chance.

As we move forward, clubs and authorities alike must be proactive about facility maintenance. Regular inspections, funding allocations, and infrastructure partnerships must be part of the conversation if we hope to build a sustainable league.

Sunshine Stars’ return is a timely lifeline. Now the club must make it count both on and off the pitch.

Did You Know?

1. Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium was named after Nigerian politician and philanthropist Dipo Dina, who was assassinated in 2010.
2. Sunshine Stars reached the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup in 2011 and the CAF Champions League in 2012.
3. The NPFL enforces a stadium certification policy to ensure safety, pitch quality, and broadcast suitability.
4. Sunshine Stars are owned and funded by the Ondo State Government.
5. Dipo Dina Stadium has a seating capacity of around 10,000 and is shared by multiple teams during league campaigns.