Bayelsa Queens FC of Yenagoa on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 displayed a rare strength of character as they came from a goal down to defeat vising Niger Ratels by two goals to one in a Nigeria Women's Football League (NWFL) Match Day 6 fixture.
Not only were Bayelsa Queens one goal down before having to rally to victory, they also lost a first half penalty, which could be very demoralizing but the Prosperity Girls did not allow the temporary setbacks to derail them.
Early in the encounter decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, a Bayelsa Queens player was brought down in the vital area and the centre referee wasted no time pointing to the spot. Florence Alexandra stepped forward to take but her well-taken spot kick hit the upright.
Adama Nwachuku put Naira Ratels ahead in the 71st minute of play with a header. Little did the visitors know that their goal was like playing with the tigers tail that was always going to boomerang.
The home side, refusing to be daunted, fought back spiritedly until two minutes later cancelled the one goal lead through Dooshima Tarnum. Not quite done, Bayelsa Queens were on song again in the 77th minute when they took the lead through Delight Isaac.
Reacting to the hard-fought victory, an elated Bayelsa Queens Technical Adviser, Whyte Ogbonda praised his players for not losing focus when it mattered most.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the encounter, Ogbonda said his girls showed zeal and determination to run away with all three points at stake and that despite conceding a goal in the 71st minute, the girls did not allow themselves to be intimidated by their opponents.
Ogbonda said “We were eager to get the three points and we were aware Naija Ratels are a good side and won’t allow us to have our way easily.
“We planned for them and we were just focused on the three points and we are thrilled we got it. It was a very good and exciting game from both sides.
“We didn’t lose focus at the time we were down by a lone goal and I am happy with the quick response of my girls. We continued to do the same thing we have been doing and taking the game to them.”
The Bayelsa Queens gaffer said everything in life is possible but they know that nothing happens without hard work.
Noting that some of the girls are young players who are playing for a big club for the first time, the former Rivers Angels coach said they will continue to work hard and continue to see how they can grow as a team.
“We have a lot of young players in the team. Some of them just got their top flight breakthrough.”
Next, Bayelsa Queens will be away to the Emmanuel Osahon-tutored FC Robo Queens of Lagos in a Match Day 7 encounter to be decided at the FIFA Goal Project ground, National Stadium, Lagos on Wednesday, February 26.
