New signing Junior Lokosa scored twice as former champions Kano Pillars added to the misery of struggling Sunshine Stars with a 3-1 win in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
The win lifted the four-time Nigerian champions to ninth in the standings, while Sunshine sit in the relegation zone.
Pillars opened scoring in the first minute through Nwagua Nyima to set the tone for an interesting game.
Thereafter Lokosa found the net in the 16th and 41st minutes to take the game beyond the visitors’ reach.
But Sunday Oluwadamilare reduced the deficit for the Akure Gunners in the 58th.
After the game, Pillars coach Musa Ibrahim told newsmen that he was satisfied with the performance of his team.
“With what I have seen today, it means the team is ready to do better and secure a ticket to play on the continent next season, and I am happy.
“But I want to call on our fans and supporters to be patient with us,” he said.
On his part, coach of Sunshine Stars Akin Olowookere commended his players for giving Pillars a good fight.