As the women’s teams gear up for the quarter-finals of the 2025 President Federation Cup, one name has captured national attention — Unification FC. This relatively unknown side has emerged as the tournament’s surprise package and now stands just a game away from the semi-finals. But they face a mammoth task: toppling the reigning NWFL champions and CAF Women’s Champions League semifinalists, Edo Queens.
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In an exclusive chat with our correspondent, the Director of Unification FC, Oyekan Oluwatobi, shared his thoughts on the club’s fairytale journey so far, the looming clash with Edo Queens, and the quiet confidence within his young squad.
“A Delightful Surprise” — Oluwatobi Reflects on Quarter-Final Berth
“I feel excited about our exploits so far,” Oluwatobi said. “It’s a pleasant delight progressing to a stage like this, especially in our first outing in the Federation Cup.”
Unification FC’s journey to the last eight has been nothing short of inspirational — built on grit, teamwork, and fearless football. With each game, they’ve proven doubters wrong, and the belief within the squad has only grown stronger.
Facing Giants Without Fear
Up next for Unification FC is a test of colossal proportions. Edo Queens are not just the defending NWFL champions; they’re a team brimming with international experience and a deep bench. But Oluwatobi is unfazed.
“The girls have been briefed about the fixture,” he explained. “We’ll be banking on their indomitable spirit. They have to sleep, wake, operate, and build the mindset of a champion — because that’s the only way to beat a champion.”
There’s no panic in the Unification camp. Just a quiet belief that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
No Pressure, Just Perspective
Despite the attention and the pressure of a high-stakes match, Oluwatobi remains composed.
“To be honest, I am not under any pressure,” he stated. “Our approach is simple — take each game as it comes, respecting the peculiarities that come with it. Of course, this might be a career-defining moment for some players, but we’re not burdened by pressure. We’re only concerned about one or two critical factors.”
Injuries and Absentees: A Cause for Concern
One of those concerns, as Oluwatobi revealed, is squad availability. Unfortunately for Unification FC, they will be missing five regular players ahead of the showdown.
“Two players won’t be available because of their ongoing WAEC exams data processing on Wednesday. One player picked up a knock during our Round of 16 clash, and two others are still undergoing physiotherapy and medical checkups,” he said.
Despite these setbacks, Unification FC is refusing to dwell on the negatives. Instead, they’re focusing on making the most of what they have — a passionate, determined squad that has already made history.
Whether or not Unification FC manages to pull off an upset against Edo Queens, their journey in this year’s Federation Cup is already a story worth celebrating. From underdogs to potential giant-killers, Oluwatobi and his squad have reminded us that football is not just about names — it’s about heart, spirit, and belief.
The stage is set. Will the dream continue?
