Lakeside Queens FC head coach Hammed Oyedele has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to navigate a highly competitive Group B at the 2026 NWFL Nationwide Competition, insisting that discipline, tactical flexibility and collective mentality will be crucial to their promotion ambitions.
Lakeside Queens were drawn alongside C2E Sports Academy and Bayelsa Princesses, setting up a challenging group in the competition, which offers clubs an opportunity to secure promotion to the NWFL Championship.
Speaking exclusively to Sports247, Oyedele acknowledged the quality of the opposition but insisted his team remains focused on achieving its ultimate objective.
“It is a very competitive group, and we respect every team in it. C2E Sports Academy and Bayelsa Princesses are strong sides. Our focus is to take each game one at a time, remain disciplined and focused. Our objective is to top the group and achieve promotion,” he said.
With promotion at stake, the Lakeside Queens coach revealed that his team will combine possession-based football with tactical adaptability as they look to handle the pressure of the competition.
“We will approach every match with discipline, intensity and tactical flexibility. We want to control the game when we have possession. At this stage, there is no room for complacency.”
Oyedele also identified several qualities that could give his side an advantage, including team spirit, commitment, fitness, pace and the quality of their young players.
However, he admitted that there are areas requiring further improvement, particularly in front of goal.
“Our biggest strength is our collective mentality. However, we still have areas to improve, particularly our finishing, decision-making in the final third and maintaining concentration throughout the entire 90 minutes.”
According to the coach, the technical team has been working to address those weaknesses ahead of the competition and expects the squad to improve as the tournament progresses.
Oyedele also delivered a message to his players and supporters, urging the squad to embrace the opportunity to create history while calling on the people of Ogun State to stand behind the team.
“This is an opportunity to make history, and we must give everything on the pitch.”
He added that the team is proud to represent Ogun State and will fight to achieve its promotion dream.
