Head Coach of Sunshine Queens FC, Rafiu Oseni, has emphasized that the 2025 President Federation Cup served as a crucial preparatory phase for his team ahead of the upcoming Championship playoffs.
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Following their 0-4 quarter-final loss to NWFL Super Six contenders, Nasarawa Amazons, at the Akwa City Stadium in Anambra State, Oseni reassured the club’s supporters that Sunshine Queens remain firmly on course to secure promotion back to the elite Nigeria Women’s Football League.
According to him, the team has already welcomed quality players into camp, many of whom were ineligible to feature in the Federation Cup but will be available for the Championship campaign.
“We have players in the squad who couldn’t participate in the Federation Cup, but they’ll be eligible for the Championship playoffs and will strengthen the team,” Oseni stated.
Despite the defeat, he commended his youthful side for their resilience against a more experienced Nasarawa Amazons side, noting that the team has only been in formation for four months.
“They showed character in the first half, trailing by just a single goal. Unfortunately, lapses in concentration towards the end allowed our opponents to widen the scoreline,” he said.
Oseni acknowledged the need to blend in more experienced players to balance the squad and improve performance.
“The Federation Cup offered us a great chance to assess the team. All identified weaknesses will be addressed once we return to Akure,” he assured.
He reiterated that the team is still under development but will be fully prepared by the time the Championship kicks off.
