Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Bayelsa Queens FC celebrated their sixth NWFL Premiership championship with a decisive 4-1 victory over Naija Ratels at Pitch 4 of Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Saturday.
Vera Samuel delivered a stunning hat-trick, powering the Prosperity Girls to a dominant win against a Naija Ratels side that couldn’t capitalize on their limited chances.
Under the guidance of coach Whyte Ogbonda, Bayelsa controlled the game’s tempo, with Alaba Olabiyi leading the attacking charge and midfielders Dooshima Tarnum and Aderemi Mary orchestrating play.
The scoring began in the 29th minute when Samuel headed in a pinpoint cross from Mega Cynthia, giving Bayelsa an early lead.
Naija Ratels fought back, finding an equalizer in the 44th minute to send the teams into halftime level at 1-1.
Bayelsa exploded out of the break, with Mega Cynthia restoring their lead just a minute into the second half. Alaba Olabiyi squandered a golden one-on-one opportunity, but Samuel remained clinical.
In the 60th minute, Samuel struck again, netting her second goal to put the game out of reach, and she completed her hat-trick eight minutes later, sealing the 4-1 rout.
Coach Whyte Ogbonda credited the team’s composure and unity, saying, “Our patience and teamwork were exceptional today.”
He thanked the Bayelsa State Government for their support, adding, “We’re now focused on strengthening the squad for the CAF WAFU-B tournament.”
