Bayelsa Queens head coach, Whyte Ogbonda, says the defending champions are still on course to retain their Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership title despite opening their Super Six campaign with a 1-1 draw against Abia Angels, www.aclsports.com reports.
Speaking exclusively to ACLSports ahead of Monday’s crucial clash with Nasarawa Amazons, Ogbonda insisted that his side’s title ambitions remain intact, stressing that there is still enough time for Bayelsa Queens to successfully defend their crown.
“There is still hope because we still have four matches to go,” Ogbonda said. “If we win the remaining games and add the draw, that should give us 13 points. With that, we can lift the trophy.”
While some supporters may have been disappointed with the opening-day result, Ogbonda maintained that sharing the spoils with Abia Angels was far from a setback, noting that every team in the Super Six has the quality to challenge for the title.
“I don’t see anything wrong with a 1-1 draw against Abia Angels, bearing in mind that all teams here are competing for the trophy. Everyone here is a potential winner,” he added.
Ogbonda praised his team’s performance but admitted that poor finishing cost them victory in the opener. He is now focused on their clash against Nasarawa Amazons, insisting that Bayelsa Queens have studied their opponents thoroughly.
“We know their pattern of play. We’ve seen them and we know how to handle them,” he said. “We’ll work with what we observed, as well as their usual style.”
He described the encounter as a potentially decisive fixture in the title race.
“Tomorrow is a final before the final of the Super Six. Whoever wins this game will have a strong chance of going all the way. The loser may struggle to recover,” Ogbonda stated.
On the absence of captain Blessing Ilivieda, who is currently on national team duty, Ogbonda expressed pride rather than concern, insisting the squad remains well equipped to cope.
“We are happy she is representing Nigeria at the national team,” he said. “We feel her absence, but we have experienced players who can step up.”
Despite the pressure of defending the title, Ogbonda said he is motivated by the opportunity to make history by leading Bayelsa Queens to back-to-back NWFL Premiership triumphs and consecutive CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU B qualifications.
“I want to set a record for myself, for the team and for the NWFL,” he said. “I know that we are going to deliver.”
The Bayelsa Queens boss also confirmed that he has a fully fit squad available for selection ahead of the clash with Nasarawa Amazons.
“For now, all the players are 100 per cent fit. We do not have any injury worries,” he confirmed.
Ogbonda urged supporters not to lose faith in the team after the opening draw, assuring them that the players remain determined to retain their crown.
“Our fans should still be hopeful,” he said. “We are not going to disappoint them.”
Bayelsa Queens face Nasarawa Amazons at 12:00pm on Monday in one of the standout fixtures of Matchday Two. Abia Angels take on Rivers Angels at 9:00am, while FC Robo Queens face Edo Queens at 3:00pm.
