Nigeria Women’s Football League defending champions Bayelsa Queens have unveiled a 25-player squad, ahead of the West Africa Football Union Zone B CAF Qualifiers, which will take place from August 9 to 24 in Ivory Coast.
The Prosperity Girls, who recently emerged champions of the 2024/25 NWFL season after a 4-1 defeat of Naija Ratels in the final round of the Super Six playoffs, will be looking to win the regional tournament, which will guarantee them a spot in next season’s CAF Women’s Champions League.
Leading Whyte Ogbonda’s side is club captain Blessing Ilivieda, who is expected to control affairs in the heart of defence. She will be joined by fellow defenders Florence Alexander, Jennifer Oliver, Otega Okoko, Semilore Bumi, Amblessed Ogbonnaya, Sefiat Idris, and Chinyere Iheoma. The quartet of Monle Omini, Linda Jiwuaku, Agatha Thompson and Slyvia Echefu are the goalkeepers lined up for the Yenagoa-based outfit.
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In the middle of the pack, Ogbonda named Mary Aderemi, Vera Samuel, Dooshima Tarnum, Bankole Sofiat, Chiamaka Ezekwugo and Kafayat Mafisere, while Janet Akekoromowei, Shakirat Moshood, Emem Essien, Lucky Mary, Alaba Olabiyi, Ifeanyi Kindness and Delight Issac will lead the attack for the six-time national champions.
Besides targeting qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League, Bayelsa Queens will be aiming to win a second regional crown, having previously emerged champions during the second edition of the tournament in 2022. Edo Queens claimed the 2024 edition of the tournament, after defeating Ainonvi FC of Benin Republic 3-0 in the final.
Winners of the tournament will secure automatic qualification for the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
