Joyce Onwuka
In a move that will cement Governor ‘Seyi Makinde’s place in the history of Oyo State, the state government has officially unveiled its premier female football team named Pacesetter Queens FC.
Unveiling the team on Tuesday, at a press conference, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke, showcased the club’s new logo and also introduced the leadership team.
Adegoke, who presided over the unveiling, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for his steadfast support towards the establishment of the team, outlining the state’s ambitious vision to enter the women’s football scene in Nigeria and make a great mark.
At the event attended by football stakeholders, dignitaries, and media partners, Adegoke stated that the unveiling of the premier female football club highlighted Oyo State’s commitment to sports development and gender equality.
She said: “His Excellency’s dedication to empowering female athletes through financial backing and goodwill has made this milestone possible.”
She emphasised the governor’s role in fostering equal opportunities for women in sports.
She added that the official flag-off of the team will be conducted by Governor Makinde, even as she urged players to wear the club’s jersey with pride and to represent Oyo State’s football community with passion and purpose.
Adegoke, who appreciated the media for amplifying women’s sports, called on residents of Oyo State to embrace the Pacesetter Queens FC as a movement to shape the future of football, adding that with its robust leadership and a clear vision, the club is poised to set new standards in Nigerian women’s football.
The team logo, described as bold and modern, she explained, symbolises the strength, unity, and aspirations of the players and fans, signaling Pacesetter Queens FC’s readiness to make a mark on national and international stages.
The newly-appointed leadership team of the football club comprised seasoned professionals, including Akinwunmi Obajimi (Head Coach), who is to lead the technical staff; Damilola Olaitan Badmus, a former player with a CAF C licence (First Assistant Coach) and Zaccheaus Aderoju (Second Assistant Coach). Other members of the leadership team are Lateef Lukman (Physical Trainer); Foluso Ajayi (a FIFA-badged Goalkeeper Trainer) and Miss Grace Towobola, who holds CAF and UEFA B licence as Welfare Officer.
The Commissioner explained that the expertise of the leadership team will drive talent development and elevate the club’s operations.
Announcing the strategic plans for the team, Adegoke said there will be a one-month trial period for aspiring players, with a team bus to be provided post-trials, while training facilities at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba including the mainbowl pitch and astroturf pitch and Olubadan Stadium have been prepared for the trials.
The presence of ex-international, Mutiu Adepoju and the Oyo State Football Association Chairman, Oba James Odeniran, reflected strong support for the club’s objectives.