Sunshine Queens Blaze Past Fortress Ladies in 3–0 Playoff Triumph
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.
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.