Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) champions, Bayelsa Queens, have departed for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to compete in the WAFU Zone B qualifiers for the CAF Women’s Champions League.

The travelling party consists of 22 players and 12 officials, including four coaches, six backroom staff, and three representatives of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Among the players named in the squad are Sefiat Idris, Jennifer Oliver, Florence Alexander, Bankole Sofiat, Alaba Olabiyi, Bummi Oladeji, Delight Isaac, Shakirat Moshood, Kafayat Mafisere, Amblessed Ogbonnaya, Iheoma Chinyere, Agatha Thompson, Linda Jiwuaku, Janet Akekoromowei, Mary Aderemi, Monle Omini, Dooshima Tarnum, Chiamaka Ezekwugo, Emem Essien, Vera Samuel, Blessing Ilivieda and Kindness Ifeanyi.

Head coach Whyte Ogbonda will lead the team, assisted by Hakeem Busari, Charity Enwerem, and Oyeinkuro Frank. Other key personnel in the delegation include Dr. Justice Akpotu, Rose Soloko, Damian (Phiso), Jumbo Seiyefa, Ebi Apreala, Preye Yabrifa, Robin Apreala and Thelma Agara.

Speaking ahead of the qualifiers, Bayelsa Queens’ chairman Robin Apreala expressed confidence in the team’s chances, insisting that preparations have been thorough:

 “We are fully ready to secure the ticket to the CAF Champions League. Everything necessary has been put in place to ensure the players are in good standing,” he said.

The qualifiers will run from August 23 to September 5, with Bayelsa Queens drawn in Group B alongside Police Ladies (Ghana), ASKO (Togo), and Sam Nelly FC (Benin Republic).