Akure-born coach Nike Ayeni has praised the Ondo State Football Agency for its support after guiding Sunshine Stars U19 to a historic Federation Cup campaign that has captured attention across Nigerian football.
Ayeni, regarded as the only female coach currently managing a male football side in Ondo State, steered the youth team to its first state FA Cup success and qualification for the national Federation Cup Round of 64.
Sunshine Stars U19 defeated Akure North United FC 1-0 to secure the state title before overcoming Adamimigo FC on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
The side then booked a place in the national competition with a convincing 3-1 play-off victory over Harmony FC.
The team is now set for a high-profile Round of 64 clash against Nigeria Premier Football League side Niger Tornadoes FC.
Speaking after the latest victory, Ayeni described the achievement as the product of discipline, preparation and collective belief.
“This victory is not just about today; it is about the hard work these boys have put in from day one,” she said.
“We respected our opponent, but we believed in our structure, our strategy and our strength. The players executed the game plan perfectly.”
Ayeni also paid tribute to Ondo State Football Agency chairman Divine Ogbonaya and the agency’s board for what she described as their unwavering support throughout the campaign.
“I want to sincerely thank the chairman, Divine Ogbonaya and the board for their consistent support and encouragement,” she added.
“Their belief in this team, timely support and commitment to football development in Ondo State have motivated the players immensely. We are determined to repay that trust with the league and FA trophy.”
Under Ayeni’s leadership, Sunshine Stars U19 remain unbeaten in the competition and have also qualified for the Super 8 qualifiers.
“We qualified for the Round of 64 without losing a match and that tells you about the mentality of this team,” she said.
“From the draw against Akure North United to the wins over Adamimigo FC and Harmony FC, the boys have shown character.
But the job is not finished. We are focused on lifting the trophy.”
Ayeni, a CAF Licence C coach and NIS-certified tactician, previously served as assistant coach of Sunshine Queens FC, helping the club qualify for the Nigeria Women Football Premier League.
A former player and captain before moving into coaching, she said her experience at different levels of the game had helped shape a disciplined and tactically organised U19 side.
“Experience matters in tournaments like this. I have been privileged to work at different levels, and all those experiences prepared me for this moment,” she said.
“I believe in developing players mentally and physically and you can see the result on the pitch.”
The coach also highlighted unity within the squad as a key factor behind the team’s impressive run.
“This is a team built on trust. Every player understands his role.
We attack together and defend together,” she said.
Despite the growing attention surrounding the team’s achievements, Ayeni insisted her players would remain focused ahead of their next challenge in the 2026 Federation Cup.
“Our focus is clear. We respect whoever we meet in all our matches, but we believe in ourselves,” she said
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“By God’s grace, we will give Ondo State something to celebrate.”
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