Sunshine Queens FC of Ondo State made a powerful statement in their bid for a return to the NWFL Premiership with a convincing 3–0 win over Fortress Ladies of Benin in their Championship Playoff opener in Umuahia. The Akure-based side started on the front foot, pressing high and punishing defensive errors with swift attacking play.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Adenuga Oluwabunmi latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Lolade Akintunde to slot home. Just six minutes later, Mirabel Irabor doubled the lead, calmly finishing from close range after neat work by Mistura Olamilekan.
Fortress Ladies attempted to rally in the second half, but Sunshine Queens’ midfield control and defensive discipline kept them at bay. Their dominance told again in the 66th minute when Bolaji Azeez was fouled in the box. Precious Edewor stepped up and coolly dispatched the penalty to put the game beyond reach.
There were minor setbacks, with Lucky Victory and Lolade Akintunde both shown yellow cards for late challenges. Head coach Oseni Rafiu made tactical substitutions, introducing Amos Foluke, Adeleke Ganiyat, and Faith Oyewole to ensure his team saw the game out strongly.
By full time, the Ondo State sponsored side had demonstrated both flair and determination, sending a warning to promotion rivals. With three points secured and a clean sheet, Sunshine Queens now turn their attention to their next fixture against Unification FC of Lagos as they aim to sustain their winning momentum.
Editorial
We see in this victory not only three points on the board but a signal of intent from a side determined to reclaim its place among Nigeria’s elite. Sunshine Queens showed tactical maturity, blending aggressive pressing with a disciplined defensive shape. Their ability to capitalise on mistakes while maintaining composure in midfield reflects a team that has learned from past struggles.
What impressed us most was their ruthlessness in front of goal. Too often, teams in the NWFL fail to convert pressure into results. Sunshine Queens, however, struck early, established control, and refused to ease off. That cutting edge, if sustained, could be the decisive factor in a promotion campaign where margins are fine.
But let us not ignore the importance of discipline. While yellow cards may seem trivial, a tighter match could turn on such moments. Avoiding unnecessary challenges and maintaining emotional control will be as the competition stiffens.
This performance was also about depth. The coach’s substitutions underlined a trust in the squad’s collective strength rather than reliance on individuals. That depth of options could prove essential in the coming weeks.
We believe Sunshine Queens have laid down a marker. Their return to the Premiership will depend not only on skill but also on consistency and resilience. If they continue in this vein, their journey back to the top flight will not be a hope, but an inevitability.
Did You Know?
Sunshine Queens were founded in 2005 and are the women’s arm of Sunshine Stars, Ondo State’s NPFL men’s team.
The club won the 2015 Women’s Federation Cup, defeating Bayelsa Queens in the final.
Akure Township Stadium, their home ground, has a capacity of around 15,000 and regularly hosts both men’s and women’s top-tier matches.
Precious Edewor, scorer of the third goal, has been part of Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team setup in recent years.
The NWFL Championship Playoff is the second-tier promotion tournament, where teams fight for a limited number of Premiership slots each season.
