Robo Queens suffered a 3-1 defeat to Bayelsa Queens in their NWFL Premiership match at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos. This marked their first home loss of the season, allowing Bayelsa Queens to solidify their position at the top of Group B while remaining unbeaten after six matchdays.

Speaking after the game, Robo Queens proprietor Emmanuel Oshaon admitted that his team was outplayed by a more experienced opponent. He also pointed out that his young squad struggled with poor finishing, which cost them valuable opportunities.

First, we lost to a better side. They are more experienced. Our girls were wasteful in front of goal, but I can’t blame them. They are still very young and need encouragement to improve. We will get better in the second stanza; it’s a work in progress," Oshaon stated.

He also highlighted the financial challenges facing privately owned clubs like Robo Queens, which lack the resources to compete with government-backed teams in player recruitment.

"As a privately owned team, it is not easy to compete with government-funded clubs. We don’t have the financial capacity to sign experienced players who could strengthen our squad," he added.

Oshaon further called on the league management to secure sponsorship, emphasizing the financial strain of running a club without adequate funding.

The league management needs to get a sponsor because running the league without funds is difficult," he concluded.

Robo Queens have now suffered three defeats in their six matches, recording two wins and a draw, leaving them with just seven points.

Editorial

Robo Queens' defeat to Bayelsa Queens highlights a growing issue in Nigerian women’s football financial disparity between private and government-backed clubs. While Bayelsa Queens have the resources to sign and retain experienced players, Robo Queens, like many privately run teams, struggle to compete at the same level.

This financial gap affects not just recruitment but also infrastructure, player welfare, and overall team development. Without the financial muscle to attract top talent, privately owned clubs often rely on young, promising players who need time to develop. While this can be beneficial in the long term, it creates an immediate disadvantage against established teams.

Another key takeaway from this match is Robo Queens' inefficiency in front of goal. The team created chances but failed to convert them, a weakness they must address if they want to remain competitive. Experience plays a crucial role in finishing, and their young squad will need to develop composure under pressure.

Beyond individual team struggles, the larger concern is the lack of league sponsorship. Without financial backing, clubs will continue to struggle, affecting the quality and competitiveness of the NWFL. League management must prioritize securing sponsorships to ensure the sustainability and growth of women’s football in Nigeria.

For Robo Queens, bouncing back will require not just tactical adjustments but also long-term planning to strengthen their squad. If they can improve their finishing and find ways to remain competitive despite financial constraints, they can still turn their season around.

Did You Know?

1. Robo Queens is one of Nigeria’s most well-known privately owned women’s football clubs and has produced Super Falcons stars like Asisat Oshoala.


2. Bayelsa Queens won the NWFL Premiership title in the 2021/22 season and have remained one of the strongest teams in the league.


3. The Mobolaji Johnson Arena, where the match was played, was formerly known as Onikan Stadium and has hosted several major football events in Nigeria.


4. The NWFL remains one of the top women’s leagues in Africa but continues to struggle with financial instability due to a lack of sponsorship.


5. Government-backed teams like Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, and Rivers Angels have historically dominated the NWFL due to better financial support and infrastructure.