… Urges Sunshine Stars to retain U-19 team

… Tells Ondo govt to prioritise athletes’ welfare

The Ondo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), at the weekend, expressed disappointment over the relegation of Sunshine Queens to the Nigeria Women Football League Championship for the third consecutive season.

While describing the development as unacceptable, SWAN demanded immediate measures to secure the club’s return to the elite division.

The association, which stated this in a communiqué at the end of its congress held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre in Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital, urged the management of Sunshine Stars FC and Sunshine Queens FC to commence early preparations for the forthcoming football season.

The congress, presided over by the state chairman, Segun Giwa, commended the performance of the Sunshine Stars U-19 team in their league campaign and the President Federation Cup, where they defeated several NPFL clubs before reaching the Round of 16.

SWAN appealed to the management to keep the youth team together to ensure continuity, future success, and possible economic benefits through player development.

The association further called on the management of the football agency to swiftly stabilise the technical crew of Sunshine Queens, led by Tayo Onilude, in recognition of the team’s impressive run in the FA Cup.

It also urged the management to strengthen the coaching set-up with capable administrative and backroom staff to ensure the team’s immediate return to the top flight and sustain its status thereafter.

The communiqué read, “The Congress appealed to the management of Sunshine Stars to keep the U-19 team together to ensure continuity, future success, and possible economic benefits through player development. It also urged the technical crew to promote outstanding players from the youth team to the senior side.

“The Congress charged the Ondo State Sports Council and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to commence early preparations for the forthcoming National Sports Festival in Enugu in order to improve the state’s performance on the medals table.

“The Congress further called on the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and the General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council to prioritise the welfare of athletes and officials throughout the preparation and participation period.

“The Congress urged the Ondo State Government, through the Ondo State Sports Council, to reactivate all sports associations by reconstituting their boards where necessary or engaging the existing leadership with the aim of revitalising sports development across the state.

“The Congress called on the Ondo State Government to appropriately reward athletes and their officials who have brought honour and recognition to the state through outstanding performances at both national and international competitions.”