By Kanu Samuel
Sunshine Queens were relegated from the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) despite a 2-0 victory over visiting Confluence Queens in their Matchday 18 encounter at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
The victory was not enough for the side coached by Tayo Onilude to retain their elite league status.
Onilude was reappointed to manage the team after coach Kayode Olujohungbe was asked to step aside with five matches remaining in the 2025/26 season.
She had previously handled the team during the 2021/22 campaign before being relieved of her duties after securing four points from nine matches, with one win and one draw, leaving five games for her successor.
The 2015 Federation Cup champions defeated Confluence Queens 2-0 in their final NWFL regular season match.
The first half ended goalless, with both sides unable to break the deadlock.
The Akure-based side came out stronger after the restart, dominating possession with a series of neat passing moves. Their attacking pressure paid off when a player was fouled inside the penalty area, earning the hosts a spot-kick.
Captain Ololade Akintunde converted the penalty in the 67th minute, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to hand Sunshine Queens the lead.
The visitors responded with spells of high pressing, but Sunshine Queens’ defence stood firm.
Substitute Bunmi Adenuga sealed the victory in the 88th minute with a composed finish.
However, celebrations were cut short following events in Ikenne, where Dannaz Ladies defeated Remo Stars Ladies 3-2.
Final Group B standings confirmed Sunshine Queens’ relegation to the second tier. The team finished eighth with 22 points from five wins, seven draws and six defeats.
In Group A, defending champions Bayelsa Queens topped the table with 37 points, followed by Rivers Angels with 36, while Edo Queens finished third with 34 points. Pacesetter Queens and Naija Ratels were relegated.
In Group B, FC Robo Queens finished top with 38 points, while Nasarawa Amazons came second with 36 and Abia Angels placed third with 28 points. Sunshine Queens, Osun Babes and Confluence Queens were relegated.
The top six teams will now compete in the Super Six to determine the overall champions of the 2025/26 NWFL season.
Meanwhile, stakeholders and fans at the venue blamed the management for the club’s poor performance during the campaign.
According to them, the crisis began after the redeployment of the team manager and coaching crew who guided the club back to the NWFL from the lower division.
“The team manager and coaches sacrificed a lot to sustain the team during difficult periods.
They used personal funds to feed players and even paid transportation fares for new recruits, yet they were removed without any convincing reason,” one supporter said.
The stakeholders called on Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene in the management of the club.
“The governor has been funding the team adequately and releasing subventions regularly. What is needed now are competent football administrators capable of managing the club effectively,” another fan added.
They also lamented the decline of football fortunes in the state, noting that Sunshine Stars also failed to secure promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
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