Femi Atolagbe
Sunshine Queens hope of retaining their Nigeria Women Football League status received a boost following a 1-0 win over Royal Queens FC in Akure.
Wednesday’s penultimate matchday set off after a minute silence was observed in honour of the club’s late goalkeeper, Elizabeth Johnson.
Both teams had a player sent to the early showers for improper conduct three minutes into the crunch tie, with the opening half eventually running out without a goal despite the hosts dominance.
Sunshine Queens rang the changes with Ovie Ovoma and Omosuyi Omowunmi replacing Foluke Opeyori and Ajibade Taiwo.
The tactical tweek paid off as Ovuma broke the deadlock in the 57 minutes, heading home from Aluba Ogba’s freekick.
The Akure landladies remained on the front foot after the opener but could not find a way through for a second goal.
Sunshine Queens’ goalkeeper, Lucky Andy who showed good form all-game stood firm to deny the visitors in a one-on-one situation late on.
Sunshine Queens took home the win to set up a win or burst final showdown with Abia Angels in Umuahia.
The Acting head coach of Sunshine Queens, Oladimeji Abimbola commended his side for the deserved victory against the visitors from Warri.
He promised to keep the momentum without being complacent in their last of the 2021/22 abridge Nigeria women Football league against Abia Angels.
“I thank the management, the fans and all the coaching crew for the success of today. The fans support is very important in the round leather game, we appreciate them.
“We will not rest on our oars until we move out of the danger zone on the last day. We are going back to the drawing board to restrategise, we have known where we lagging behind without wasting time those area will be addressed.” He said.