Sunshine Queens FC of Ondo State made a blistering start to their Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship Playoffs campaign in Umuahia, defeating Fortress Ladies of Benin 3–0 in their opening fixture.
The Akure-based side showed intent from the onset, pressing high and punishing their opponents’ defensive errors.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Adenuga Oluwabunmi slotted home from a well-timed pass by Lolade Akintunde. Six minutes later, Mirabel Irabor doubled the lead after Mistura Olamilekan’s clever assist.
Despite Fortress Ladies’ attempts to stage a comeback in the second half, Sunshine Queens held firm, before sealing the victory in the 66th minute. Bolaji Azeez was brought down in the penalty box, and Precious Edewor calmly converted from the spot to make it 3-0.
The game was not without its tense moments, as Lucky Victory and Lolade Akintunde were both cautioned for rash challenges. Coach Oseni Rafiu later introduced fresh legs, Amos Foluke, Adeleke Ganiyat, and Faith Oyewole, to see out the contest.
At full time, the Ondo State sponsored side had announced their promotion intentions in emphatic fashion, securing maximum points and a clean sheet ahead of their next match against Unification FC of Lagos.
The victory was made even sweeter when the Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), Mr. Divine Ogbonnaya, immediately redeemed his promise of ₦100,000 for every unanswered goal scored. With three goals on the day, the players received their reward alongside an enhanced winning bonus right after the final whistle.
Jubilant after the gesture, the Sunshine Queens players described the reward as a major morale booster, pledging to fight even harder in their remaining fixtures.
They vowed to sustain their momentum and keep their promotion dream alive, confident that their determination and hard work will carry them through the Championship.
