…Sunshine Queens crowned champions after 1–0 win over Fortress Ladies
By Femi Atolagbe
The Wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Seun Aiyedatiwa, has described the maiden Ondo First Lady Women’s Pre-season Football Tournament as a celebration of talent, passion, discipline and the unyielding spirit of young women in sports.
Speaking at the grand finale held at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, Mrs. Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed her commitment to the development of women’s football and the creation of opportunities that will propel female players to both national and international recognition.
“We wanted to rekindle the passion for women’s football in Ondo State and create opportunities that will propel our players to national and international recognition,” she said.
“Sports, and football in particular, have the power to unite, inspire and transform lives. This tournament has reminded us that when given the right support, our girls can compete at the highest level and bring glory to Ondo State and Nigeria.”
The First Lady added that the competition provided a platform for female footballers to showcase their skills, build confidence, and prepare adequately for the new football season.
She commended the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) for its commitment to youth and sports development, pledging that her office would continue to partner with the agency to sustain and expand the tournament annually.
Also speaking, the Chairman of ODSFA, Mr. Divine Ogbonnaya, thanked the governor’s wife for her initiative, describing the tournament as a huge success marked by fair officiating and high sportsmanship.
He assured that the agency would continue to strengthen the state’s women football team for greater national competitiveness.
In his remarks, Mr. Biyi Poroye, Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), congratulated Sunshine Queens FC of Akure for emerging champions of the tournament.
He also revealed plans by the commission to establish a Football Department aimed at discovering and nurturing sporting talents within its mandate areas.
The keenly contested final match saw Sunshine Queens FC defeat Fortress Ladies of Edo State by a lone goal, scored by Precious Edewor in the 12th minute of the encounter.
The champions, Sunshine Queens, received a cash prize of ₦500,000, while the runners-up went home with ₦300,000.