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Bolu-Olu Esho
Sports Writers Association of Nigeria(SWAN), Ondo State chapter, has raised concern on the relegation of the two major football clubs in the state, Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens.
The journalists charged the management to strategise on how to prepare the two clubs to be able to perform outstandingly to return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), respectively.
In a communique issued by the sports writers after their July Congress presided over by the state Chairman, Segun Giwa, they resolved, among others, that “the Congress urged the management of Sunshine Stars FC and Sunshine Queens FC to commence preparations early for the forthcoming football season with a view to securing immediate promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), respectively.”
Expressing disappointment over the relegation of Sunshine Queens to the Nigeria Women Football League Championship for the third consecutive times, the Congress described the situation as unacceptable.
They, therefore, called on the management of female football club to engage competent technical and administrative personnel capable of returning the team to the elite division and sustaining the feat.
SWAN also urged the management to, as matter of necessity, retain the core of the squad, particularly the outstanding players who contributed to the team’s impressive FA Cup campaign, with a view to facilitating its quick return to the top flight.
However, the sports writers commended Sunshine Queens for their performance in reaching the semi-finals of the 2025 President Federation Cup despite their league challenges.
Besides, SWAN applauded the remarkable performance of the Sunshine Stars U-19 team in both their league campaign and the President Federation Cup, during which they defeated several NPFL clubs before reaching the Round of 16.
It, therefore, 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.
“The technical crew should also promote outstanding players from the youth team to the senior side.”
On National Sports Festival, the state Sports Council and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development were charged 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 Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and the General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council was urged to prioritize the welfare of athletes and officials throughout the preparation and participation period.
Other resolutions are that “the Ondo State Government, through the Ondo State Sports Council, should reactivate all Sports Associations by reconstituting their boards where necessary or engaging the existing leadership with the aim of revitalizing sports development across the state.
“The State Government should appropriately reward athletes and their officials who have brought honour and recognition to the state through outstanding performances at both national and international competitions.”
