FIFA Women’s World Cup final appearance impacted positively on me – Robin Apreala

By Saheed Afolabi

The chairman of Bayelsa Queens, Pastor Robin Apreala has revealed his appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup final had a positive impact on him.

The Prosperity Girls were third place winner at the Morocco 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League and the boss graced the Women’s World Cup final on an invite from  FIFA in Australia where he attended a convention organized by the world football governing body.

Recounting his experience seeing the Women’s World Cup final between Spain and England, Apreala admitted his attendance offered the opportunity to learn more about the development of women’s football in Bayelsa State.

“It was great. Being at the FIFA Women’s World Cup final was a lifetime experience for any football administrator. There is a lot learned most especially at the women’s convention which I would pass to my people,” he told media.

“Time and chance happen to them all. It has been ordained. God has ordained it. Preparation belongs to man but answers come from God.”

Nigeria missed the chance to compete in the CAF Women’s Champions League 2023 following the failure of Delta Queens to claim the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League title at the expense of Ampem Darkoa of Ghana in Benin.

And the sport administrator and former Bayelsa State FA secretary, expressed his sadness over the unfortunate development, while urging other clubs to prepare intensively for next season.

“It is sad that for the first time, Nigeria won’t have a representative at the CAF Women’s Champions League,” he continued.

“There is nothing we can do about it. We have to all go back to the drawing board and prepare intensively.”

The Prosperity Girls won the NFF Federation Cup title back to back and defeated Rivers Angels 1-0 to win this year’s edition. Bayelsa Queens are the only Nigerian side to reach a third place finish at the CAF Champions League.