Naija Ratels Appoint Sabo Okala Awala as New Technical Adviser

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership side, Naija Ratels, have unveiled Coach Sabo Okala Awala as their new Technical Adviser ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The appointment signals a new era for the Abuja-based club, which is looking to build on last season’s progress and cement its place among the top contenders in Nigerian women’s football.

Awala takes over from Coach Samson Keshi, who led the Ratels to a sixth-place finish at the NWFL Super 6 Championship in Ikenne, Ogun State, before stepping aside. While Keshi is credited with laying a solid foundation, the club’s management believes Awala’s arrival will bring renewed tactical discipline, technical depth, and a stronger winning mentality.

A respected figure in the NWFL, Awala brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in player development. He previously served as Technical Adviser of Confluence Queens, a position he assumed in 2023 after a successful stint as assistant coach. At Confluence Queens, he guided the team through major transitions, including the departure of nearly two dozen first-team players, yet managed to keep the squad competitive—a feat that earned him praise as a resilient tactician.

Before that, Awala managed Honey Badgers FC of Benue State in the NWFL Championship, where he became known for spotting and nurturing young talents, many of whom now play in the Premiership. His coaching expertise was further sharpened at the Nigeria Institute of Sports (NIS), and he has been a strong advocate for reforms in women’s football, particularly in areas of player welfare and officiating standards.

Speaking at his unveiling in Abuja on Wednesday, Awala expressed his determination to lead the Ratels to greater heights.

“I’m very grateful to the management for appointing me as Technical Adviser of this great club. We are going to put in everything humanly and technically possible to achieve a lot this season, and hopefully, we are aiming for the league title,” he said.

Club officials are confident he is the right fit, highlighting his ability to blend youth development with competitive performance. With a vibrant playing style and one of the strongest youth structures in the NWFL, the Ratels believe Awala’s leadership can take the team to the next level.

As preparations for the new season gather pace, expectations are high. Awala’s tactical acumen, focus on stability, and structured squad-building philosophy will be central as Naija Ratels target not just improvement on last season’s finish, but a serious push for the NWFL Premiership crown.