The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State Chapter, has described the third consecutive relegation of Sunshine Queens from the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership as unacceptable, calling for urgent measures to restore the club to the top flight.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s congress held on July 10 at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Alagbaka, Akure.
The communiqué was signed by the Communiqué Drafting Committee Chairman, Bolu-Olu Esho, Secretary, Femi Atolagbe, Member, Tunde Lawal, and e-signed by SWAN Secretary, Joseph Adesuyan.
The congress, chaired by SWAN Chairman, Segun Giwa, deliberated on issues affecting sports development in Ondo State, with particular attention given to the fortunes of Sunshine Queens.
SWAN urged the management of the Ondo State Football Agency to immediately stabilise the club’s technical crew led by Coach Tayo Onilude, citing the team’s impressive run to the semi-finals of the 2025 President Federation Cup despite its league struggles.
The association also called for the strengthening of the coaching set-up with competent administrative and backroom personnel to enhance the team’s chances of securing immediate promotion back to the NWFL Premiership and maintaining its elite status.
In addition, SWAN appealed to the management to retain the core of the current squad, especially the standout players who played key roles in the club’s Federation Cup campaign, describing continuity as essential to the team’s rebuilding process.
While expressing disappointment over the club’s relegation, the sports writers commended Sunshine Queens for reaching the semi-finals of the President Federation Cup, describing the achievement as a testament to the team’s resilience and potential despite a difficult league season.
The congress also urged the management of Sunshine Stars FC and Sunshine Queens FC to begin preparations early for the forthcoming football season to improve their chances of returning to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the NWFL Premiership, respectively.
