Sunshine Queens of Akure booked their place in the semi-finals of the President Federation Cup after grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Confluence Queens in a tense quarter-final encounter.
The Ondo State representatives showed resilience and composure throughout the closely contested match, with a solitary goal proving enough to separate the two sides and secure passage to the last four of Nigeria’s foremost domestic cup competition.Ondo news coverage
Both teams battled fiercely for control in a game characterised by disciplined defending and limited scoring opportunities.
However, Sunshine Queens capitalised on their chance to claim a narrow but deserved victory and continue their impressive run in the tournament.Nigerian news subscription
The result keeps alive Sunshine Queens’ ambition of lifting the prestigious trophy for more than a decade, as they move a step closer to ending their long wait for cup glory since 2015.
Speaking after the match, Captain of the team, Joy Falegan, expressed delight at reaching the semi-finals, while emphasising their determination to maintain focus ahead of the next stage of the competition.
The victory further underlines the growing strength of the Akure-based side, who have emerged as one of the standout teams in this year’s tournament.
Sunshine Queens will turn their attention to the semi-finals, where they will seek to continue their quest for Federation Cup success and write another memorable chapter in the club’s history
Meanwhile the Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), Mr. Divine Ogbonnaya, has commended the players and technical crew of Sunshine Queens FC for their outstanding performance in the 2026 President Federation Cup, following the team’s qualification for the semi-finals of Nigeria’s oldest football competition.
Sunshine Queens secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Confluence Queens FC of Kogi State at the historic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, demonstrating remarkable composure, determination, and tactical discipline throughout the encounter.
The Coach Tayo Onilude-led side took the lead in the 18th minute through Owoseni Oluwabulola, whose clinical finish proved decisive as the Akure-based club booked a place among the last four teams in the competition.
The Ondo State representatives came close to extending their advantage when Mistura Olamilekan converted from the penalty spot. However, the effort was subsequently ruled out following an infringement by Sunshine Queens players before the kick was taken.
Reacting to the impressive achievement, Mr. Ogbonnaya praised the resilience and professionalism displayed by the players, describing their qualification as a reward for hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
“The girls showed tremendous character and tactical maturity against a very strong opposition. Their determination and discipline throughout the game were commendable, and they fully deserved the victory,” he said.
The ODSFA Chairman further charged the team not to relent as they prepare for their semi-final showdown against Nasarawa Amazons FC.
“You girls have made yourselves proud as well as the sports-loving people of Ondo State. Push harder, pray harder, and write your names in gold. The journey is not over yet, and I believe you have what it takes to go all the way.”
The qualification is particularly significant for Sunshine Queens, as it marks the club’s first appearance in The semi-finals of the President Federation Cup since 2015. That memorable campaign ended in glory, with the Akure Landladies lifting the prestigious trophy the first and only Federation Cup title won by the club since the creation of Ondo State.
With confidence soaring and history beckoning once again, Sunshine Queens will now shift attention to their crucial semi-final clash against Nasarawa Amazons aiming to replicate the heroics of 2015 and bring more pride to Ondo State football.