By Kanu Samuel
Sunshine Queens Football Club thrashed Osun Babes 3–0 on Matchday 16 of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
The Akure-based side were in control of the midweek South West derby from the outset to the final whistle, although the Osun Babes goalkeeper denied the hosts on several occasions.
Despite this, Sunshine Queens remained undeterred, adhering to their game plan and continuing their high press in the final third.
A fine exchange of passes between Aluba Ogba and Moyinoluwa Owolabi inside the opposition box resulted in a foul as Owolabi dribbled past her marker.
Owolabi, a former player of Osun Babes and Remo Stars Ladies, stepped up to convert from the spot, giving Sunshine Queens the lead in the 40th minute.
The goal also marked her first since reuniting with the team she left about three seasons ago.
The strike capped an excellent first-half display, as Sunshine Queens went into the break 1–0 up, fully in control and looking the more dangerous side.
Sunshine Queens continued their dominance after the restart, following tactical substitutions that saw Bunmi Adenuga and Toyin Oyewole introduced.
Oyewole made an immediate impact, scoring with her first touch to mark her birthday with a scintillating goal in the 51st minute.
A few minutes later, another substitute, Bunmi Adenuga, added a third goal, sealing victory for Sunshine Queens with a clinical finish in the 58th minute.
Despite their comfortable lead, Sunshine Queens maintained their intensity, pressing high and searching for additional goals while keeping their defensive shape intact.
Osun Babes attempted to respond, pushing forward in search of a consolation goal, but were repeatedly denied by a disciplined Sunshine Queens defence.
Both teams created chances in the latter stages, with Sunshine Queens pushing for a fourth and Osun Babes striving to get on the scoresheet, but neither side could further alter the scoreline as the South West derby ended 3–0 in favour of Sunshine Queens.
Speaking after the match, Coach Onilude praised her players for their determination, resilience and collective effort, highlighting their commitment to executing the game plan effectively.
She also emphasised the importance of continuous improvement, noting that both the positives and areas needing attention would be addressed ahead of their next fixture.
Sunshine Queens will now turn their attention to a challenging away encounter against Nasarawa Amazons in Lafia next Wednesday, where Coach Onilude has promised her side will aim to secure maximum points and extend their impressive run.
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