The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed profound shock and sadness over the sudden death of Domo Okara, the Head Coach of Bayelsa Queens Football Club, who passed away on Saturday morning.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, conveyed the federation’s grief and disbelief at the news, highlighting the impact Okara had on women’s football in Nigeria.
“We are shocked and saddened beyond words. In all sincerity, we are still trying to process the report.
I have spoken to a lot of people who said they interacted with him days earlier and he was hale and hearty. This is a very sorrowful development,” Sanusi stated.
Dr Sanusi emphasized Okara’s significant contributions to the sport, describing him as “one of the pillars of women’s football coaching in the country.
” He added, “Okara was more than a coach. He was a mentor, a leader, and an inspiration to many.
We pray that God will give him eternal rest and also grant the immediate family, his friends, Bayelsa Queens FC family, and Nigeria football the fortitude to bear this sudden and big loss.”
Domo Okara’s illustrious career saw him leading Bayelsa Queens to multiple successes.
He guided the team to victory in the Nigeria Women’s Premier League in 2022 and secured the Federation Cup the following year.
Under his leadership, Bayelsa Queens also earned bronze medals at the 2nd edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco, a significant achievement as they are the only Nigerian team to have reached such a milestone.
He was with the Bayelsa Queens as they came second at the just concluded NWFL Super 6 that held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State in May, 2024.
The news of Okara’s death has left a void in the Nigerian women’s football community, marking a period of mourning for all who knew and respected him.
The NFF and the broader football community extend their deepest condolences to his family and colleagues during this difficult time.
