CAF WCL: “Bayelsa Queens can go as far as possible in Morocco” – Daniel Igali

Bayelsa State Sports Commissioner, Daniel Igali is confident that the team can go as far as possible ahead of Nigeria and West African Zone B champions, Bayelsa Queens’ opening game against holders, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa at the second edition of CAF Women’s Champions League in Marrackech.

Bayelsa Queens after winning the league title in Nigeria picked the sole ticket from WAFU-B Zone and will represent the Zone at the 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League which will kick off on Sunday in Morocco.

Former representatives Rivers Angels, whom Maryann  represented Nigeria and WAFU-B Zone alongside Hasaacas Ladies FC of Ghana at the maiden edition but the Port Harcourt-based side couldn’t move past the group stage.

“We are taking this competition seriously because last year, our representative, Rivers Angels, didn’t go as far as expected,” Igali said on Channels Television this week.

“We are hoping with the kind of team we have and preparation we should be able to go as far as we possibly can.”

Bayelsa Queens scored 17 goals and conceded one at the 2022 WAFU-B Zonal Qualifiers to emerge as Champions defeating Ampem Darkoa of Ghana 3-0 in the final.

“It’s not necessarily to gain experience anymore,” said the Nigeria Wrestling Federation president.

“”We have gone to the WAFU-B and won it outrightly scoring 17 goals and only conceding one. Last time, our representative qualified by being in second place. The team is not coming to Marrakech or Rabat ultimately for exposure but to bring the trophy back to Nigeria.”

In preparation for the opening game against Sundowns Ladies, the Prosperity Girls thrashed Racing Athletic Casablanca before their trip to Marrackech during the week.

He added: “The team has been in Casablanca, Morocco for almost a week now. In fact, we planned to be here for two weeks before the tournament because we wanted them to be properly acquainted with the weather and get about three training matches before the tournament.

“On Thursday, the team played a first-division club here in Morocco and the girls were ruthless scoring 11-0. Things were coming into plans. The coaches were quite happy with the different formations they used and it appears before they play their first game, the girls will be ready to go.”

Bayelsa Queens FC on Friday arrived in Marrakesh, where the CAF Women’s Champions League will take place.  The team’s opening match in the competition will be on October 31 against Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies of South Africa.