Sunshine Queens get new coach after NWFL Premiership relegation

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) side, Sunshine Queens now has a new coach after the team’s relegation from the top flight Premiership to second-tier Championship at the end of the 2023/2024 season.

As a result of the change of fortunes and status of the team, a change in managerial saddle has been effected as Oladimeji Abimbola has been relieved of his chief coaching position and instructed to take charge of the team’s Under 17 side.

Oladimeji who guided the team back to the top-flight NWFL Premiership in an instant return will be replaced by Rafiu Oseni.

Oseni will be assisted by Nike Adekunle and former captain of the club, Odunayo Adejoro as the Akure-based side attempts another instant return to the top flight for the second season running.

Ondo State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye confirmed the appointment on Wednesday. Yusuf-Ogunleye said the appointment was with immediate effect.

Yusuf-Ogunleye asserted that the repositioning was aimed at restructuring football in the state.

A 2-1 loss to Remo Stars in the final game of the 2023/2024 NWFL Premiership campaign condemned Sunshine Queens to relegation alongside Royal Queens.

The club ended the season bottom of Group B with 13 points after 14 games, a point behind neighbours and debutant, Ekiti Queens which beat the drop.