By Femi Atolagbe

Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure retained the Ondo State President Federation Cup they won in 2024 after defeating their Under-19 team 4-3 in a penalty shootout.

Regulation time ended in a goalless draw at Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo City.

The Under-19 team did not allow their senior counterparts to dominate, maintaining a solid defence and launching swift attacks.

Supporters at the stadium were seen cheering their respective teams to victory with different chants and songs, while both sides entertained the spectators with beautiful football artistry.

There were no clear goal-scoring chances for either side, but Sunshine Stars ultimately lifted the State President’s Cup.

In the female category, Sunshine Queens also triumphed, defeating Onimarg FC 4-2 in a penalty shootout to retain the oldest football competition in the country.

Regulation time in the women’s FA Cup final ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Sunshine Queens’ goalkeeper was the hero of the match, saving two penalties.

Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Stars Under-19 will represent Ondo State at the National Presidential Cup, while Sunshine Queens and Onimarg FC will represent the state in the female category.

The Chairman of the Football Association, Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi while speaking at the event congratulated the four teams that played the finals.

Dele-Ajayi urged the teams to represent the state very well and ensure that they win the competition for the state.

“Congratulations to you all,you are all worthy winners. I will urge you to prepare well for the proper competition when the dates are announced.

“I am happy that you all played well and you are all worthy winners, please be a good ambassador of this state when the competition starts at the national level,” he said.