Sunshine Queens FC completed their flawless campaign at the 2025 NWFL Championship Playoffs in Umuahia, Abia State, after edging Kwara Ladies 1-0 to book their return to topflight women’s football.
The decisive strike came in the 17th minute when Ganiyat Adeleke capitalised on a defensive lapse inside the Kwara box to slot home what proved to be the winner.
Despite a spirited fightback from Kwara Ladies after the break, the Akure-based side showed resilience to preserve their narrow lead and secure maximum points.
The victory made it three wins from three for Sunshine Queens, following earlier triumphs over Fortress Ladies (3-0) and Unification FC (1-0). They finished the playoffs with a perfect record , scoring five goals and conceding none , the only team in Umuahia to achieve such defensive and attacking balance.
Head coach Oseni Rafiu praised his squad’s discipline and commitment while urging the players to remain focused on their careers. He also commended the leadership of Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) Chairman, Mr. Divine Ogbonnaya, describing his tenure as transformative for football development in the state.
Captain Lolade Akintunde hailed the promotion as “a reward for hard work,” while stakeholders, including Mr. Busayo Daisi, applauded Ogbonnaya’s leadership and noted that the team’s success has silenced critics.
With their promotion to the NWFL Premiership now confirmed, Sunshine Queens have restored pride to Ondo State football and sent a clear message of intent as they prepare to challenge Nigeria’s elite sides once again.
It will be recalled Sunshine Queens of Akure suffered relegation from the Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership at the end of the 2023/24 season after finishing bottom of Group B with just seven points from 12 matches, a disappointing campaign that saw the Ondo State owned side drop to the second-tier NWFL Championship.
