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It was a thrilling final at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, as Crown FC of Ogbomoso edged Shooting Stars Sports Club, 3SC, to win the 2026 Oyo State Federation Cup.
From the women’s category, Pacesetter Queens took their opponents, Dragon Fury Ladies Football Club, to the cleaners with 5 unreplied goals. Fresh from goalless encounter from the Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL, Raheem Aisha of Pace Setters Queens opened scoring at the 6th minute of the encounter, and that led to a goal rush against the largely amateur side. Ayantosho Yetunde doubled the lead in the 15th minute before Teslimot Balogun added a third in the 24th minute to give the “Arewa Oyo” a comfortable halftime advantage.
The second half continued in a similar fashion, with Ayantosho Yetunde grabbing her brace in the 73rd minute, while Ayobami Moshood sealed an emphatic 5-0 victory deep into stoppage time. The triumph marked a historic first domestic cup title for Pacesetter Queens, underlining their rising status in women’s football.
It was an highly explosive clash between Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan and Crown FC of Ogbomoso where the Ajilete Warriors neutralized the defending Champions Shooting Stars in a gripping encounter. Crown FC drew first blood through David Emmanuel “Kebu” in the 24th minute, taking a slender lead into halftime.
Shooting Stars responded strongly in the second half following tactical changes, eventually finding an equalizer in the 63rd minute to restore parity. With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the match proceeded to a tense penalty shootout, where Crown FC held their nerve to secure a 4-2 victory and claim the coveted title.
The competition also recognized standout performers, with individual honours presented to Ayobami Junior of Shooting Stars, Majayogbe Muyiwa of Crown FC, and a player from Mustardseed FC for their exceptional contributions.
The grand finale attracted a host of dignitaries and stakeholders, including Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba, Hon. Gbenga Adewusi ‘Arole’, Oba James Oluyemi Odeniran (Oyo State Football Association Chairman), Chief Mutiu Adepoju (MON), Alhaji Azeez Adeniyi, Coach John Kay, Mr Michael Oladeni members of the Referees’ Council, Sports Council, Coaches Association, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and other key figures in the football community.
With the conclusion of the state competition, Pacesetter Queens, Dragon Fury Ladies, Shooting Stars, and Crown FC have all secured qualifications to represent Oyo State at the prestigious National President Federation Cup. where they will aim to replicate their performances on a bigger stage.
Source/Sunday Agunbiade
