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Sunshine Queens secure NWFL Premiership return as promotion race heats up
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Sunshine Queens have sealed an instant return to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Unification FC in Umuahia on Monday.
Substitute Lucky Victory rose highest to head home the winner in the 79th minute, a result that confirmed the Akure-based side as Group A2 winnersnwith six points and a game to spare. Later in the day, Fortress Ladies held Kwara Ladies to a goalless draw, ensuring Sunshine’s automatic promotion.
In Group A1, Castmog Ladies maintained their perfect start with a 1-0 triumph over Royal Queens, courtesy of Zainab Odueke’s late strike. The Ogun State outfit now sit top with six points, but their promotion ticket is not yet secured.
That’s because First Mahi Babes reignited their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Gallant Queens. Chidera Okechukwu pounced on a goalkeeping error by Mutiyat Badmus to seal the three points in the 61st minute.
The group’s final fixtures — First Mahi vs Royal Queens and Castmog vs Gallant — will decide which team joins Sunshine Queens in the Premiership.
In Abiriba, Imo Striker Queens strengthened their push for promotion with a 2-1 win over Osun Babes. Goals from Chiamaka Damian and Precious Alex gave them a two-goal cushion, before Omolola Asha halved the deficit before halftime. Imo Striker lead Group B2 with six points from two matches.
Elsewhere in the group, Ghetto Tigers Ladies staged a second-half comeback to beat Delta Babes 2-1. Playing under the shadow of the sudden death of head coach Gibbor Alfred Poto earlier in the day, Delta struck first through Nancy Ayeta in the second minute. But second-half goals from Rofiat Ewetade and Ebube Jude lifted the Tigers to second spot with four points.
In Group B1, Wazbak Queens climbed to the summit with a 1-1 draw against Pelican Stars. Joy Irobi opened the scoring for Pelican, but Abibat Adediran equalised to secure a point.
Ahudiyannem Queens, with three points, could reclaim top spot if they win their postponed fixture against Chosen Generation Angels on Tuesday.
