By Isaac Afolabi
Sunshine Queens Football Club of Akure have been crowned champions of the inaugural Ondo First Lady Pre-Season Tournament after edging Fortress Ladies of Benin by a lone goal in a pulsating final at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
The victory marks a bright start to the new season for the 2015 FA Cup champions, who displayed grit and tactical discipline throughout the encounter.
The decisive moment came as early as the 12th minute when Precious Edewor’s superb strike found the back of the net, handing Sunshine Queens the all-important lead.
Despite sustained pressure from the determined Fortress Ladies, the Benin-based team failed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, as the resilient Akure side held on to secure the title. The thrilling contest drew a vibrant crowd and capped off a week-long tournament that celebrated excellence in women’s football.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, applauded the players for their outstanding performances, describing the competition as a laudable initiative to promote female participation in sports and nurture young talents.
She commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support for sports development and praised the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) under Mr. Divine Ogbonnaya for successfully hosting the maiden event.
Reacting to the victory, Sunshine Queens’ head coach, Kayode Olujohungbe, said the triumph would serve as motivation for his players as they prepare for the upcoming season, assuring that the team would continue to improve.
On his part, Fortress Ladies’ coach, Jimmy Aiwumagbore, lauded the organizers for their efforts and urged the Nigeria Football Federation and other stakeholders to sustain such competitions to further enhance the growth of women’s football in the country.