Nigerian representative, Bayelsa Queens are on the brink of making history as the first team from Nigeria to make it to the semi-final stage of the CAF Women’s Champions League. However, the Prosperity Girls, as they are called, must get it right in their final group game on Sunday against Egyptian side Wadi Degla. That important duel is billed for 8 p.m. (local time) at the Stade Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco.
Having started their campaign at the CAF Women’s Champions League on a shaky note; losing 2-1 to Cup holders, Mamelodi Sundowns, Bayelsa Queens got their campaign back on track with a crucial 2-0 victory over TP Mazembe on Thursday. The Bayelsa Queens coach, Domo Okora while understandably excited at the prospect of his team securing a semi-final berth, admits his ladies must get it right against Wadi Degla.
Okora says his ladies must avoid the pitfall of underrating the Egyptian champions, who are on the brink of elimination having lost their first two games woefully. “The important part of this game is winning. We showed a tiny part of what we are capable of doing in this tournament. We kept possession of the ball and won the game. We recovered physically and mentally. We appreciate the situation we are in, it gives spice to our tournament,” Okora was quoted saying.
For the Bayelsa Queens’ captain, Uzoamaka Igwe, she and her teammates are ready to give whatever it takes to get victory in Sunday night’s clash. “We want to win this match at all costs. All the teams present in this tournament are champions of their respective regions and have good track records. We will take our game against Wadi Degla seriously, despite their situation.” She declared.
While Bayelsa Queens are already the first Nigerian team to score in successive games at the CAF WCL, a victory on Sunday will see them become the first Nigerian team to win two CAF WCL games consecutively. Should the Prosperity Girls reach the Semi-finals, they will become the second team from West Africa to do so following the exploits of Ghanaian club Hasaacas Ladies, who ended as runners-up in the 2021 edition.
