The Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Jimoh Olawale Saliu, on Wednesday, 19 August, 2026 hosted FC Phoenix Queens, popularly known as the Olugbani Girls, after their impressive second-place finish at the 9th Senator Anthony Adefuye Football Championship, Women’s Category.
The team secured the silver trophy at the tournament held on August 12 at the Bariga Sport Centre, CMS Primary School Field, Bariga, Lagos, losing 4–3 on penalties to Victory Queens of Ikorodu in the final.
The players were accompanied by their coordinator, Hon. Adetunji Ganiyu, Senior Special Assistant on Sports to the Council Chairman and coach Waheed Balogun.
Hon. Jimoh commended the team for its performance, discipline and resilience, assuring the players of his administration’s continued commitment to developing sports talent in Apapa Iganmu.
As part of his planned sports activities, the Chairman announced that the players would be featured at a forthcoming sports celebration during the activities marking his one-year – in office anniversary programme, where their trophies and achievements would be showcased.
He also disclosed plans for a media presentation aimed at promoting the talents of Apapa-Iganmu athletes to sports journalists and a wider international audience. He reiterated his readiness to support the team in pursuing opportunities for friendly international matches.
Responding to requests from the players for improved equipment and welfare, including footballs and support for feeding at camp, Jimoh pledged to review the team’s needs and provide assistance within his capacity. He also promised to look into providing monthly support for the team’s camp feeding.
The Chairman further encouraged the players to remain committed to their development, noting that their achievements could open doors to greater opportunities if properly projected.
The Phoenix Queens through their captain Hasanat expressed appreciation to the Chairman for his support and appealed for continued assistance to improve their training, welfare and equipment.
The reception underscored the Apapa-Iganmu LCDA administration’s stated commitment to using sports as a platform for youth development, talent discovery and community pride.
By celebrating the Olugbani Girls, the Chairman signalled a broader ambition: to turn local sporting success into a pathway to national and international opportunities.
In attendance were: the Vice Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Chief Mrs Fadekemi Otitonaye; the Leader of the council’s Legislative Arm, Hon. Adigun Arogundade; Secretary to the Local Government Council, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim Olanrewaju; the Apapa-Iganmu LCDA Chairperson, Alhaja Kikelomo Layeni -Jimoh; and other appointees.
