Udegbe speaks on Bayelsa Queens’ new squad and expectations for 2017 NWFL season News

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Udegbe speaks on Bayelsa Queens’ new squad and expectations for 2017 NWFL season

By Daily Sports on March 29, 2017

Nwfl.com.ng sat down with Bayelsa Queens’ central defender Udegbe Esther ahead of the 2016/17 season which kicked off over the weekend. She took a look at the dying moments of the previous campaign, her team’s new signings and the first few games of the new season.

“We went very close in the year 2016. The club almost made it to the Champion of Champions final and went close to winning the Federation Cup,” she said.

Looking at how the club has worked Rollanson Odeh in the hot seat, Udegbe said she’s impressed with the way the transition has worked.

“I know, talking to people in and around the club, it’s very much the same,” she told Nwfl.com.ng.

The experienced defender says that Odeh won’t be forgotten because of the role he’s played, but there’s a new man in town.

“He [Tarila Okorowanta] promised entertaining attacking football. He’s got a pedigree of doing that, wherever he’s managed. He’s put teams that looked good – that are good to watch. There’s an awful lot of optimism, both from inside the club and from the supporters.

“The philosophy that coach Odeh left behind was very great and we hope to consolidate on it.”

Udegbe examined the new players brought in over the transfer window, and she says Bayelsa Queens have addressed the areas that they needed to, including pace, which is vital.

“Aminat Yakubu looks the real deal. Everyone tuned into the 2016 UEFA Women’s Champions League to watch her once they knew Minsk had got her. She looks fantastic, and you could imagine a few Premier League full-backs watching her in action and a little shiver going down their spine. She could be a real star of the new season.

“Blessing Onoriode is another quality addition to the team. She is a budding talent, who is capable of improving the squad.”

Looking ahead to the new season, she said Bayelsa Queens have been fortunate with the fixture list. “It’s the kind of start you want, especially if you’re bedding in new players – we could win those games and give the new players plenty of experience.

“If you’re playing the tough teams in the division, do you want four new players in your team, you probably don’t – you want to rely on players that you know. In that way it’s an ideal start.”

•Photo shows Bayelsa Queens’ central defender Udegbe Esther.

Source Daily Sports

Posted March 29, 2017