After Delta Queens 1-0 loss to Ampem Darkoa of Ghana in the final of the 2023 West Africa Zone B (WAFU-B) Women’s Champions League Qualifiers in Benin, a call had been made for all Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership teams to start preparation for next season.
A goal before the end of the first half from Ophelia Amponsah sealed a slim win for the Ghanaian champions against their Nigerian counterparts which ensured that Ghana clinched their second WAFU-B title, one more than Nigeria.
Chairman of Bayelsa Queens, the winner of the 2021/2022 league and bronze medal at the 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League, Pastor Robin Aprela said the loss of the Asaba-based side was a wake-up call for all clubs ahead of next season.
“Time and chance happen to them all. It has been ordained. God has ordained it. Preparation belongs to man but answers come from God,” Aprela told pressmen on Thursday.
“It is sad that for the first time, Nigeria won’t have a representative at the CAF Women’s Champions League. There is nothing we can do about it.
“We have to all go back to the drawing board and prepare intensively.”
Aprela recently visited and watched the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final alongside the team captain and spoke about his experience.
“It was great. Being at the FIFA Women’s World Cup final was a lifetime experience for any football administrator. There is a lot learned most especially at the women’s convention which I would pass to my people.” He concluded.
