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‘Pelican Stars won’t be in the Premiership to make up the numbers’ – Captain Ogochukwu Peace
Fresh from leading Pelican Stars back to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership, team captain Ogochukwu Peace has declared that the Calabar-based club is determined to establish itself among the elite and has no intention of making an immediate return to the Championship.
Speaking exclusively with NigeriaFootball.ng after the club secured promotion at the 2026 NWFL Championship in Calabar, the inspirational skipper described the achievement as one of the greatest moments of her football career.
“First of all, I thank God. It feels so good to lead Pelican Stars back to the top flight. It wasn’t an easy journey, but we fought until the very end,” she said.
According to Peace, the turning point in the team’s successful campaign was the unwavering encouragement from the coaching crew and the refusal of the players to give up on their dream of returning Pelican Stars to the elite division.
“Our coach kept encouraging us, and every player remained determined because we all wanted to bring Pelican Stars back to the NWFL Premiership,” she explained.
The captain also credited the club’s new management, particularly the Chairman, for believing in the team throughout the campaign.
“Our management motivated us a lot. Our Chairman believed in us, our coach believed in us, and we believed in ourselves. That confidence gave us the strength to succeed.”
As captain, Peace said her responsibility was to keep the team united and motivated, especially during difficult moments.
“I kept telling my teammates to stay focused and believe that we could do it. I encouraged every player both on and off the pitch.”
Reflecting on previous unsuccessful campaigns, she said unity, commitment and self-belief made the difference this time around.
“We remained committed, focused and united. We never allowed outside distractions to affect us. We believed in ourselves, and that belief carried us through.”
The skipper also reserved special appreciation for the club’s supporters, promising that the team would justify the confidence reposed in them.
“To our fans in Cross River State, thank you for standing by us. We promise to be consistent in the Premiership. We will play with our hearts and will not disappoint you.”
Looking ahead to life in the NWFL Premiership, Peace acknowledged that the challenge would be much tougher but expressed confidence that the club is already making plans to improve.
“The team will improve in every department. Management is already working on that.”
With several newly promoted clubs suffering relegation after just one season in recent years, Peace insisted Pelican Stars have learned from those experiences.
“We will remain focused, continue to work hard and stay committed. Our management is ready to support us, and we are determined to remain in the Premiership.”
For the captain, the promotion carries deep personal significance.
“It means everything to me because I worked so hard for it. I promised myself that I would help return Pelican Stars to the Premiership, and achieving that has changed my football career.”
Despite just securing promotion, Peace says the club’s ambition goes beyond survival.
“Our expectation is to compete for a place in the Super Six during the 2026/27 NWFL Premiership season. By God’s grace, through hard work and the support of our management, I believe we can compete with the very best.”
With confidence running high within the Pelican Stars camp, the newly promoted side appears determined not only to retain its Premiership status but to become a genuine force in Nigerian women’s football.
