NWFL 2024/2025 champions, Bayelsa Queens, have unveiled a provisional squad for the upcoming WAFU Zone B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers, and kicked off their preparations with a 2-1 comeback win over Sunshine Queens in a friendly on Thursday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The squad features a mix of experience and fresh reinforcements, an approach that underlines the club’s ambition to build on their domestic triumph and make a strong impact on the continental stage.
Among the key additions is Emem Essien, who joins permanently from Edo Queens. The versatile forward brings added firepower and top-flight experience, having impressed consistently in the Nigerian league. Kafayat Mafisere, another new face in the squad, joins on loan and is expected to bolster the midfield during the continental challenge.
Other familiar names include Janet Akekoromowei, the second-highest goal scorer in the NWFL last season, and Mary Lucky, adding further attacking depth.
According to the club, the selected players embody the strength, discipline, and ambition needed to compete at the highest level in the region.
Bayelsa Queens began their preparations with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win over Sunshine Queens in the first match of their playing tour on Thursday.
The match, held at the Adeyemi Federal University of Education Sports Complex in Ondo City, saw the hosts take the lead in the 67th minute through Faith Oyewole, who fired past goalkeeper Linda Jiwuaku after a goalless first half.
New signing Kafayat Mafisere leveled for Bayelsa Queens in the 80th minute before team captain Blessing Ilivieda sealed the win with a thunderous strike from outside the box in the 90th minute.
Reacting after the match, head coach Whyte Ogbonda praised Sunshine Queens for the strong contest.
“Before we came, people were saying we should play a more experienced side, but I said no, we need an amateur side that can give us a good fight, and Sunshine Queens gave us that fight,” Whyte said.
“This game has shown us where to focus as we continue our preparations for the big stage.”
The Prosperity Girls are now set to continue their tour in Lagos, where they will take on Unification Ladies on Saturday, WAFA Selected Side on Monday, and FC Robo Queens on Thursday, July 24, all at the Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle.
With confidence building and competition for starting spots heating up, Bayelsa Queens are not just preparing for Côte d’Ivoire, they’re preparing to make a statement. The goal is clear: qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League and show West Africa that the Queens still reign supreme.
