Bayelsa Queens head coach Ogbonda Whyte has praised his gamers for his or her resilience and character following their 2-0 victory over Ekiti Queens, a outcome that noticed Bayelsa Queens end prime of Group A on the finish of the primary stanza of the 2025/26 NWFL Premiership season.
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Talking to the press after the match, the coach admitted that the workforce wanted a powerful response after a tough earlier outing away from residence.
“I might say the workforce carried out very properly at the moment,” Ogbonda mentioned.
“After our final loss away, the morale of the workforce dropped. We needed to psych them as much as get this outcome. Contemplating that they’d not misplaced many matches from final season until now, that defeat affected them mentally. However they confirmed character at the moment to get the factors, and I’m happy with them.”
Recruitment and Squad Strengthening
Addressing questions on recruitment and the workforce’s attacking challenges, particularly within the absence of some key gamers, Ogbonda confirmed that Bayelsa Queens will reinforce forward of the second spherical.
“When it comes to recruitment, particularly in assault, we all know Janet just isn’t right here and the absence of Aderemi has affected the workforce,” he defined.
“This isn’t the time to go to the grassroots for gamers, so we want to strengthen the attacking areas. Earlier than the beginning of the second spherical, we are going to tackle the gray areas we observed.”
The coach additionally revealed that former Bayelsa Queens participant Gloria has returned to the membership after a stint overseas and will likely be a part of the squad for the second stanza.
Type of Play and Tactical Method
On issues in regards to the workforce’s tendency to play lengthy balls somewhat than construct from the again, Ogbonda defended his tactical decisions whereas acknowledging areas for enchancment.
“Generally it has to do with the midfielders not dropping again to gather the ball from the defenders,” he mentioned.
“When that occurs, the defenders haven’t any choice than to clear the ball ahead. Making an attempt to indicate an excessive amount of talent in our 18-yard field can value us targets.”
He added that the workforce’s strategy is predicated on effectiveness somewhat than aesthetics.
“If now we have quick attackers who can run, we don’t have to hold the ball too lengthy in midfield. One, two, three passes and the ball goes ahead. What we’re in search of is victory, not tiki-taka or individuals clapping for us. As they are saying, play badly and win.”
Bayelsa Queens will now shift focus to preparations for the second spherical of the NWFL Premiership, as they purpose to construct on a powerful first stanza and keep their push for home success.
