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By Abiodun Adewale.
Ondo State commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Bamidele Ologun, says the state’s female football team, Sunshine Queens, has not been abandoned by the state government, The PUNCH reports.
He said why much has not been heard about the team in recent times was because they were relegated last season.
Sunshine Queens were relegated to the NWFL Championship last season after finishing bottom of the table in Group B with seven points from 12 matches.
Ologun maintained that the management and coaching crew of the team were working hard to ensure the 2015 Federation Cup champions returned to the Nigeria Women’s Football League.
“It’s unfortunate that the team got relegated, but relegation is part of football, we will stand with the team to return to the (NWFL).
“Since they went on relegation last year, we retained the players and also recruited fresh legs that can complement them in order to return the team to the women’s elite league. We motivate them, we did not reduce their salaries, it has always been paid regularly.
“When they complained about their hostel, we also ensured that we got them a befitting hostel to make them feel comfortable and relaxed ahead of their Championship playoffs scheduled for Abuja in the next few weeks.”
Recently, some of the players were part of the team who represented the state at the maiden National Teqball Championship in Asaba, where they came third.
Ologun added that such competitions were needed to aid their psychology, while some warm-up games were lined up to keep them in shape ahead of their playoffs.
The NWFL Championship playoffs is scheduled for June 26 to July 3 in Abuja.