Formerly established as Garden City Angels by Elder John Pinaowei in Port Harcourt in 1998, the club was later renamed Bayelsa Queens in 2000. This follows the home return of founder Pinaowei the same year and instant funding by the then Bayelsa State Government.
Since the government’s full takeover in 2003, Bayelsa Queens has continued to unearth and attracted stars, among whom are African title winners like Nigeria captain Onome Ebi, goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi, late Ifeanyi Chiejine, Precious Dede and Francisca Ordega.
Bayelsa won their first Nigerian Women’s Premier League title a year after the government takeover and celebrated the fifth league diadem in 2022 and the Women’s Federation Cup twice before WAFU B Champions League qualifiers in 2022 triumph.
“It felt so special playing for a big club like Bayelsa Queens and it was at the club, I won titles for the first time,” Oluehi, who was Nigeria’s heroine to win WAFCON 2018, told CAFOnline.com.
“My best memories at the club were when we won the league title and the FA Cup and playing with some of the best Nigerian players like Ifeanyi Chiejine and Precious Dede.”
Since 2021, Bayelsa Queens have celebrated at least four trophies, including the Betsy Obaseki Cup, Aiteo Cup, Nigerian Women’s Football League Premiership, and WAFU B Women’s Champions League – all under coach Domo Okara.
“Our target is to win CAF Women’s Champions League trophy in Morocco. I know it’s going to be very difficult, but we promise to give our best.”
Domo Okara
Following his successes, the former acting head coach, who was recently confirmed as the substantive technical adviser, is aiming to continue his fairytale run in the dugout of the Prosperity ladies, this time at the continental stage.
“I feel delighted to be competing with the best clubs in Africa, we are going to give our best and learn as well,” the 45-year-old tactician told CAFOnline.com.
“It means a lot for us honestly, we were delighted to compete in a tournament of that magnitude, and as WAFU B winners as well, it was a great feeling.
“Our target is to win CAF Women’s Champions League trophy in Morocco. I know it’s going to be very difficult, but we promise to give our best.”
The Yenegoa outfit will face off with holders Mamelodi Sundowns, Egyptian champions Wadi Degla and TP Mazembe in Group B and Mary Aderemi feel their chances are bright.
“We will give our best to make our state and the nation proud, our priority is the trophy but hard work and focus is the main thing that leads to victory,” Aderemi, who scored one and gave three assists in the WAFU B qualifier, told CAFOnline.com.
One of the secrets behind their regional success, the Commissioner of Sports, Daniel Igali attributed to the huge support the team is enjoying from the Bayelsa state government.
“We have a good team, we have good coaches, a dedicated management and a talented and determined team,” Igali, who doubles as Nigeria Wrestling president, told CAFOnline.com.
“The recent successes can largely be attributed to the enormous support from the state government. We had every confidence that the team we have assembled was capable of making Bayelsa and Nigeria proud.
“Bayelsa Queens are the best-remunerated women’s club in Nigeria. We will ensure that we keep the momentum of successes already achieved and give all necessary support for the team to give their best in Morocco.”
Bayelsa will start their campaign against African champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the Stade de Marrakech on October 31, before locking horns with TP Mazembe three days later and the final group tie with Wadi Degla on November 6.
Source: Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF)