Igali Charges Bayelsa Queens Players to Show Commitment Ahead of 2026/27 NWFL Season

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Dr. Baraladei Daniel Igali, has charged players of Bayelsa Queens FC to demonstrate discipline, dedication and commitment as they prepare for the 2026/27 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) season.

Dr. Igali gave the charge on Thursday while addressing the players shortly after their training session at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

The Olympic gold medallist urged the players to adhere strictly to the instructions and directives of their coaches, stressing that discipline and teamwork would be crucial to the team’s success in the new campaign.

“I want you all to obey the rules and regulations of the coach as we prepare for the new campaign,” Dr. Igali said.

The Commissioner also assured the players that their welfare remains a top priority of the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Governor Douye Diri.

He promised that the government would continue to provide the necessary support and ensure that the players are well catered for throughout the season.

“Football is an exciting sport that requires skill, strategy and determination. Every football player needs a little motivation from time to time in order to reach their full potential, and that is what the State Government is here to do,” he stated.

Dr. Igali further encouraged the players to have confidence in themselves, their teammates and the coaching staff, noting that mutual trust would strengthen their collective efforts and enhance their chances of achieving success.

He advised the players to remain focused on their goals and avoid distractions that could undermine their preparations.

“Focus on the things that matter most. Do not let distractions and the outside world push your focus off the path of your teammates and their goals. Winning is not an excuse to slack on your work or to slack in leadership,” Dr. Igali added.

The Commissioner’s message comes as Bayelsa Queens intensify preparations for the upcoming NWFL season, with the team expected to combine hard work, discipline and teamwork in pursuit of a successful campaign.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams. In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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