Ogbonda Sets Higher Standards As Bayelsa Queens Wins Open WAFU B

By: Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Head coach of Bayelsa Queens, Whyte Ogbonda, has sounded a note of caution to his players despite beginning their WAFU B Women’s Champions League Qualifiers with a 2-1 win over Ghana’s Police Ladies.

The reigning Nigeria Women’s Football League champions secured the vital three points in their opening group match, but Ogbonda insists the performance leaves much room for improvement. Speaking after the game, the experienced tactician admitted that his side wasted several clear-cut chances, a weakness he believes must be corrected if the team is to progress beyond the qualifiers and challenge strongly at the continental stage.

“We created a lot of chances today but we didn’t take them,” Ogbonda said. “It is not good for a team to create chances and not make use of them. It weakens the spirit of the players. We were lucky to have won, but going forward, we must work harder on our ability to finish in front of goal.”

The coach explained that the pressure of the opening match of a major competition may have contributed to the lack of composure in front of goal. However, he was quick to commend his players for showing resilience and maintaining control of the game against a determined Ghana Police side. He noted that while the team is in a “better position” following the win, the technical crew will use the victory as a platform to refine the team’s tactical execution.

Ogbonda also offered insight into Bayelsa Queens’ broader strategy for the competition. According to him, while some of the francophone teams in the group appeared “a bit weak” in their opening games, no opponent would be taken for granted. “This is a competition; we don’t underestimate anybody. The most important thing is to build on the positives, correct our mistakes, and keep our eyes on qualification,” he said.

The coach’s remarks underline his demand for higher standards from the Bayelsa Queens squad, who are carrying the hopes of Nigerian women’s football on the continental stage. Having previously guided Rivers Angels and now leading Bayelsa Queens, Ogbonda is regarded as one of the most experienced tacticians in the Nigerian league, and his push for greater clinical efficiency reflects his ambition to make the club a force beyond West Africa.

With the first hurdle cleared, Bayelsa Queens now turn their attention to the next round of fixtures in Côte d’Ivoire. Ogbonda insists that only consistency, discipline, and sharper finishing will guarantee his side the qualification ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League later this year.