The coach of Bayelsa Queens FC of Yenagoa, Whyte Ogbonda has confessed that all the players and technical crew of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) club owe their state government a lot of gratitude.
He reckoned that the love, attention, financial assistance and all-around backing the Bayelsa State government has given the teams means they have to show their appreciation by picking a ticket to this year’s African Woman Champions League.
He added in an interview with sports247.ng after his side’s goalless draw with south-south rivals, Ibom Angels of Uyo that his side have been adequately motivated by their state government.
Although they settled for a goalless draw in Uyo on Wednesday, Ogbonda admitted he would have preferred victory, but he then predicted that Bayelsa Queens are bound to get better as the days go by.
Ogbonda stated, “Baring in mind that Ibom Angels are no pushover. They were at the Federation Cup finals in 2017 and 2018 back-to-back. That means they are no pushover.
“This is their first home game and second match of the season. A week before this, they lost away in Port Harcourt. So, we were expecting them to fight back, and that this match was going to be very tough for us.
“But, at the end of the day, we were able to get one point apiece. While bearing in mind that we were playing away from home, I will say it was a good result for us.”
He concluded with a look at his side’s chances of picking a continental ticket at the end of this season, noting that four points from their first two matches of the season is a sign of better things to come.
Whyte Ogbonda continued, “It has been good for us so far. This draw is also a sign of more good things because, despite the fact that we couldn’t get the three points, we are now with four. It’s not bad because, from here, we’ll pick it up and ensure that we get the next points at stake.”
He concluded by reiterating why everyone at the Yenagoa-based club must put hands on deck to ensure a glorious end to the season for the team, which would be a befitting gift to the state government and reward for how they have supported the club thus far.
“The support we have had for the team from the state government is very marvellous … financially and otherwise. So, I will categorically say we … the players and technical crew … are owing Bayelsa State government.
“Because they’ve done so much for us, the only way we can pay them back is to get the CAF qualification ticket. That is their target for the season,” Ogbonda disclosed.
