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.
