2025 WAFU Zone B Championship: Whyte Names 25-Player Provisional Squad for Bayelsa Queens

Posted : 18 July 2025

Bayelsa Queens Head Coach Whyte Ogbonda has released a 25-player provisional list for the Prosperity Girls ahead of the 5th West Africa Football Union (WAFU Zone B) Women’s Championship, set to take place in Côte d’Ivoire from Saturday, August 9 to Sunday, August 24, 2025.

The squad includes key players such as team captain Blessing Ilivieda and dependable defender Jennifer Oliver, both of whom are expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s defensive setup.

Bayelsa Queens Provisional Squad (25 Players):

Goalkeepers: Monle Omini, Linda Jiwuaku, Agatha Thompson, Sylvia Echefu
Defenders: Blessing Ilivieda, Florence Alexander, Jennifer Oliver, Otega Okoko, Semilore Bumi, Amblessed Ogbonnaya, Sefiat Idris, Chinyere Iheoma
Midfielders: Mary Aderemi, Vera Samuel, Dooshima Tarnum, Bankole Sofiat, Chiamaka Ezekwugo, Kafayat Mafisere
Forwards: Janet Akekoromowei, Shakirat Moshood, Emem Essien, Lucky Mary, Alaba Olabiyi, Ifeanyi Kindness, Delight Issac

Bayelsa Queens, who won the second edition of the tournament in 2022, have also begun a training tour in preparation for this year's competition.

In their first match on tour, the team came from behind to defeat Sunshine Queens 2–1 at the Adeyemi Federal University of Education Sports Complex in Ondo City. After a goalless first half, Faith Oyewole gave Sunshine Queens the lead in the 67th minute with a well-placed shot that beat Linda Jiwuaku in goal.

Bayelsa Queens responded with pressure and equalized in the 80th minute through Kafayat Mafisere after a clearance attempt by Victoria Lucky failed to prevent the goal.

In dramatic fashion, team captain Blessing Ilivieda sealed the comeback with a thunderous strike from outside the 18-yard box in the 90th minute.

Speaking after the match, Coach Whyte Ogbonda praised Sunshine Queens for giving his side a tough challenge.

“Before we came, people suggested we face a more experienced team, but I insisted on playing an amateur side that would give us a real fight—and Sunshine Queens did just that,” Ogbonda said. “This game showed us where we need to improve as we prepare for the big stage.”

Sunshine Queens Head Coach Oseni Rafiu also commended both teams, saying, “Towards the end, Bayelsa Queens showed their class. They proved why they are league champions. My players did well, but the better team won.”

Bayelsa Queens will now continue their training tour in Lagos, where they will play Unification Ladies on Saturday, WAFA Selected on Monday, and FC Robo Queens on Thursday, July 24. All matches in Lagos will be played at the Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle.

The team’s tour is part of their build-up to the WAFU Zone B CAF Women’s Champions League Qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire next month.

2025 WAFU Zone B Championship: Whyte Names 25-Player Provisional Squad for Bayelsa Queens

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics