Sunshine Queens endured a disappointing start to their Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) campaign, losing 1–0 to FC Robo of Lagos at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, on Wednesday.
Buoyed by home support, the Queens began brightly, dominating possession in the opening 15 minutes and showing early intent. However, FC Robo gradually settled into the contest and began to assert control, testing the resolve of the home side.
Goalkeeper Bright Etim stood out with a series of fine saves that kept Sunshine Queens in the game, but her resistance was finally broken on the stroke of halftime when Marvellous Oladuni rose highest to head in from a corner kick, handing FC Robo the decisive lead.
In the second half, the hosts made tactical adjustments in a bid to restore parity, yet their efforts lacked precision and cutting edge. FC Robo, on the other hand, remained compact and disciplined in defence, frustrating the Queens and seeing out the match for all three points.
The defeat, coming in the very first game of the season, has triggered growing concern among supporters who expected a more convincing performance from the Akure-based side.
One of the fans, Olokunboye Alani, did not hide his displeasure, questioning the team’s preparation and overall quality.
“It’s been a long time since we watched a live match here. The management must give us a team that will make us happy. Yes, it’s the first game, but if we can’t win at home, how do we hope to survive in the NWFL? This is not the best the management can offer,” he said.
Another supporter, who preferred anonymity, lamented what he described as poor organisation and questionable decisions by the club’s hierarchy.
“The management are being misled. Some people built a team for a year and you sacked them, disbanded them, and now you bring in people with no pedigree or readiness to lead the team. We are watching. This is not criticism, but the fact,” he stated.
With pressure already mounting, Sunshine Queens will be desperate for a swift turnaround as they seek to regain the confidence of their fans and steady their campaign in the coming fixtures.
