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“I Am Happy to Scatter the House” — Whyte Ogbonda Delights in Beating Former Club as Bayelsa Queens Revive Title Hopes
Bayelsa Queens head coach Whyte Ogbonda admitted he was delighted to defeat his former side Rivers Angels after guiding the Prosperity Girls to a crucial 2-1 victory in the South-South derby at the 2025/26 NWFL Premiership Super Six in Port Harcourt.
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The defending champions boosted their fading title ambitions with a spirited performance against Rivers Angels, a club Ogbonda previously coached before moving to Bayelsa Queens.
Goals from Chiamaka Ezekwugo and Dorshima Taarnum secured all three points for Bayelsa Queens after Rivers Angels had briefly restored parity through Abasiofon Uwah’s penalty.
Speaking after the match, Ogbonda said his familiarity with Rivers Angels helped shape his tactical approach and motivated his players to deliver under pressure.
“I definitely know the house and I know the style of play they normally play,” Ogbonda told reporters after the game.
“This was a match we needed this kind of performance because any team that loses today would be out of contention for the Super Six title.”
The Bayelsa Queens coach added that the team approached the game with urgency knowing another defeat could end their title defence hopes.
“Being champions is not easy, but maintaining the championship is even more difficult,” he said.
“Every team comes hard against us, so the best thing for us was to play without fear. I am very happy the result came the way we wanted.”
Ogbonda, who spent several years with Rivers Angels, also referenced his emotional connection to Port Harcourt while celebrating the victory.
“This is my community, this is my area. The land is going to favour me,” he added jokingly.
The coach also explained the tactical adjustment that helped his side exploit Rivers Angels’ defensive weaknesses, particularly through direct attacking play in the second half.
“Possession does not score goals,” he said.
“I discovered the central defenders of Rivers Angels were struggling, so I instructed my players to use more long balls and attack directly. That was what led to the goals we scored.”
Bayelsa Queens captain Blessing Ilivieda also praised the team’s mentality and fighting spirit, insisting belief was key to overcoming Rivers Angels.
“Football comes from the mind,” the experienced midfielder said.
“I told my teammates we were not going to lose this game. No matter the situation, you don’t give up. If you fall, you stand up again.”
The result leaves Bayelsa Queens back in contention for the NWFL Premiership crown with two matches remaining in the Super Six playoffs.
Ogbonda remains hopeful that more twists in the title race could still favour his side.
“We still believe we are in contention,” he said.
“If we win our remaining two games and get to 10 points, we believe that can still give us the trophy.”
Bayelsa Queens currently remain among the chasing pack in what has become a fiercely competitive NWFL Premiership Super Six title race.
The post “I Am Happy to Scatter the House” — Whyte Ogbonda Delights in Beating Former Club as Bayelsa Queens Revive Title Hopes first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.
The post “I Am Happy to Scatter the House” — Whyte Ogbonda Delights in Beating Former Club as Bayelsa Queens Revive Title Hopes appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
Featured
Nnamdi Makes History as First Nigerian Man to Win NCAA Javelin Title
Nigeria’s rising athletics sensation, Chinecherem Prosper Nnamdi, has etched his name into the history books after becoming the first Nigerian male athlete to win the NCAA men’s javelin title.
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The talented thrower achieved the remarkable feat on Thursday at the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon, producing a sensational performance to clinch the prestigious collegiate crown.
Nnamdi set the tone early in the competition with a massive opening throw of 82.26 metres, a mark that proved unbeatable throughout the event. His dominance was evident from the very first round as he outclassed a highly competitive field.
The Nigerian star delivered two throws beyond the 80-metre mark, underlining his consistency and quality on one of the biggest stages in collegiate athletics.
Representing his institution with distinction, Nnamdi finished ahead of Bahamas’ Keyshawn Strachan, who claimed second place with a best throw of 80.65m, while Jack Larriviere settled for third position after recording 77.91m.
The historic triumph marks another major milestone in Nnamdi’s rapidly growing career and further highlights Nigeria’s increasing influence in field events on the global athletics scene.
By securing the NCAA title, Nnamdi not only captured one of the most coveted honours in college athletics but also cemented his status as one of Nigeria’s brightest track and field prospects.
His groundbreaking achievement is expected to serve as inspiration for aspiring Nigerian athletes while reinforcing the country’s growing reputation in events traditionally dominated by athletes from Europe and North America.
With this latest success, Nnamdi continues to strengthen his credentials ahead of future international competitions and major championships.
The post Nnamdi Makes History as First Nigerian Man to Win NCAA Javelin Title first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.
The post Nnamdi Makes History as First Nigerian Man to Win NCAA Javelin Title appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
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Amaju Pinnick Admits Back-To-Back World Cup Failures Remain A Major Regret
Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has admitted that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for back-to-back FIFA World Cups remains one of the biggest disappointments of his football administration career.
READ ALSO: Terem Moffi Believes Super Eagles Are Close To Ending AFCON Trophy Wait
Reflecting on the Super Eagles’ absence from consecutive World Cup tournaments, Pinnick described the situation as painful given the enormous opportunities that come with participating on football’s biggest stage.
“Missing back-to-back World Cups is one of my biggest regrets,” Pinnick said.
According to the former NFF president, qualifying for the World Cup goes beyond football success, as it also brings commercial benefits, international exposure, and national pride.
“The World Cup helps put the country on the global map,” he implied.
Pinnick stressed that the absence from consecutive tournaments has deprived Nigerian football of valuable opportunities both on and off the pitch.
“There are many benefits attached to World Cup participation,” he noted.
Despite the disappointment, the football administrator expressed confidence that Nigerian football is moving in the right direction.
“The NFF is working hard to correct the situation,” he added.
Pinnick revealed that the long-term objective is not only to qualify for the next World Cup but also to make a significant impact at the tournament.
“We are hungry to qualify and make a statement,” he stressed.
The former football boss also declared that Nigeria’s ambitions begin with the next Africa Cup of Nations.
“Nigeria is ready to challenge for the AFCON title again,” he said.
The Super Eagles continue rebuilding under coach Eric Chelle as preparations continue for future competitions.
“Many supporters are eager to see Nigeria return to the World Cup stage,” football observers believe.
For Amaju Pinnick, the message is clear.
Missing consecutive World Cups remains painful.
The federation is determined to reverse the trend.
And Nigeria must return to competing among the world’s elite football nations.
Because the World Cup remains the ultimate stage for showcasing a country’s football strength and global ambition.
The post Amaju Pinnick Admits Back-To-Back World Cup Failures Remain A Major Regret first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.
The post Amaju Pinnick Admits Back-To-Back World Cup Failures Remain A Major Regret appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
Featured
Terem Moffi Believes Super Eagles Are Close To Ending AFCON Trophy Wait
Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi has expressed confidence that Nigeria is edging closer to winning a major international trophy after coming agonisingly close in recent Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
READ ALSO: Nnamdi Makes History as First Nigerian Man to Win NCAA Javelin Title
Reflecting on the team’s recent performances, Moffi noted that the Super Eagles have shown steady progress despite falling short of lifting the trophy.
“I believe we are getting closer to achieving something special,” Moffi said.
According to the forward, Nigeria’s silver-medal finish and bronze-medal success in the last two AFCON tournaments demonstrate that the team is moving in the right direction.
“The signs are there that we can achieve something big,” he implied.
Moffi, however, warned that talent alone will not be enough to end Nigeria’s wait for continental glory.
“We still have to work very hard to make it happen,” he noted.
The OGC Nice striker stressed that success at major tournaments requires commitment, discipline, and consistency from every member of the squad.
“It will take a lot of hard work from everyone,” he added.
Nigeria continues rebuilding under coach Eric Chelle, with several new players being integrated into the national team setup.
“The squad has a good blend of experience and emerging talent,” many football observers believe.
Recent performances against top opposition have also increased optimism about the future of the Super Eagles.
“There is a growing belief that the team can compete for major honours again,” supporters continue to say.
For Terem Moffi, the message is clear.
The Super Eagles are moving in the right direction.
A major trophy remains within reach.
And hard work will be the key to turning potential into success.
Because winning championships requires more than talent—it demands consistency, sacrifice, and belief.
The post Terem Moffi Believes Super Eagles Are Close To Ending AFCON Trophy Wait first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.
The post Terem Moffi Believes Super Eagles Are Close To Ending AFCON Trophy Wait appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
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