Oyo unveils first-ever female football team, Pacesetter Queens FC

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Oyo State Government has officially launched its first female football team, Pacesetter Queens Football Club, marking a major milestone in promoting gender inclusion in sports. The unveiling took place on Tuesday during a press conference at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke, thanked Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for his unwavering support in establishing the team. She described the launch as a significant step toward empowering young women in the state through sports.

Adegoke emphasized that the club represents unity, progress, and opportunity for women in Oyo State, and revealed that Governor Makinde would soon conduct an official flag-off ceremony for the club.

She also introduced the club’s technical team, led by Head Coach Akinwunmi Obajimi, with Damilola Olaitan Badmus and Zaccheaus Aderoju serving as assistant coaches. Other officials include Lateef Lukman (Physical Trainer), Foluso Ajayi (FIFA-certified Goalkeeper Trainer), and Grace Towobola (Welfare Officer, with CAF and UEFA B licenses).

According to the Commissioner, open trials will begin immediately at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex and the Olubadan Stadium to identify talented players. The one-month trial phase will culminate in the unveiling of the team’s pioneer squad.

She assured that the government will provide all necessary logistics, including a team bus, training gear, and welfare packages, to support the smooth take-off and operations of the club.

The Commissioner reiterated the state’s commitment to building a competitive team capable of representing Oyo on both national and international stages.

The launch attracted several notable personalities in the football community, including former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju and the Chairman of the Oyo State Football Association, Oba James Odeniran, who praised the initiative as a bold step in advancing women’s sports in the state.