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Christopher Danjuma Reveals ‘Believe’ Message Behind Nasarawa Amazons’ Stunning Comeback Against Bayelsa Queens
Nasarawa Amazons head coach Christopher Danjuma has credited his side’s remarkable comeback victory over defending champions Bayelsa Queens in the 2026 NWFL Premiership Super Six to a simple but powerful message he repeatedly delivered to his players: belief.
The Lafia-based club came from a goal down to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, maintaining their perfect start to the competition and strengthening their credentials as genuine title contenders.
Bayelsa Queens looked set to claim all three points after Chiamaka Ezekwugo opened the scoring shortly after the restart. However, Nasarawa Amazons responded impressively, with Farikikyen Moses restoring parity before captain Ayatsea Hembafan struck a stoppage-time winner to complete a memorable turnaround.
Speaking after the match, Danjuma revealed the message that inspired his players to keep fighting after falling behind.
“Believe,” the experienced tactician said.
“It was a simple word. Believe. Believe that you can come out of this place with something.”
According to Danjuma, the comeback highlighted the resilience, mentality, and determination within his squad.
“I kept shouting, ‘Believe.’ Yesterday, I talked about mentality and adaptability. When you are one goal down, and you know you want to remain in the race, you cannot afford to leave any match without getting something from it,” he explained.
The former national team coach said his players remain fully committed to the objectives they established before the start of the competition.
“I told them to believe in the target we have set for ourselves, believe in how far we want to go in this competition, and what we want to achieve. Every day we step onto the pitch, we must keep believing. That was the message.”
Despite narrowly missing out on the league title last season, Danjuma insisted that his team is focused solely on the current campaign.
“2025 is gone,” he stated.
“2026 is another year, another mentality, and another focus.”
The victory moved Nasarawa Amazons to six points from two matches, making them the only side with a perfect record after the opening rounds of the Super Six tournament.
Attention has now shifted to their next fixture against Abia Angels, one of the surprise packages of the competition. Danjuma acknowledged the challenge ahead, especially given Abia Angels’ impressive performances against his side during the regular season.
“Every match we play here requires a different intensity and a different approach,” he said.
“We want to approach every game with whatever it needs.”
The coach also pointed to a statistic that has provided extra motivation for his team.
“Abia Angels were the only team that took four points from us during the regular season. I think it has come to a point where we want to take our points back.”
Danjuma reserved special praise for match-winner Ayatsea Hembafan, whose stoppage-time strike capped another influential performance.
The Amazon’s captain has recently been deployed in a more central attacking role, a tactical adjustment that has significantly increased her impact on games.
Explaining the decision, Danjuma said versatility remains one of the strengths of his squad.
“Even during my playing days, I could play in midfield, on the right or on the left,” he said.
“I am blessed with players who can perform in different positions. Depending on my game plan, I can alternate them, and they always give me the results.”
The coach also addressed the yellow card he received during the match, admitting he was surprised by the caution.
“I don’t know what the implications are. If there is any implication, they will send me a letter,” he said.
According to Danjuma, the referee felt he was interfering with play while communicating instructions from the touchline.
“I was just passing instructions to my team, and the referee said I was interfering again. I apologised because I did not know the rule.”
With momentum building and confidence growing within the squad, Nasarawa Amazons will be eager to maintain their winning run as the battle for the 2026 NWFL Premiership title continues in Port Harcourt.
