Confluence Queens coach Okala calls for support from Kogi government

Sabo Okala, head coach of Confluence Queens, has passionately appealed to the Kogi State government for increased financial support following his team’s 1-0 home defeat to Nasarawa Amazons in an NWFL Matchday 4 fixture. Okala attributes the team’s current struggles to the loss of 24 key players at the end of last season, which has left the club rebuilding rather than building on past successes.

Expressing optimism for a turnaround, Okala admitted that rebuilding a team every season is demoralising and counterproductive. He highlighted that the exodus of players to rival teams was primarily due to better salaries and financial packages offered elsewhere. Without intervention from the state government, he fears the club could lose more vital players.

“The game of football is unpredictable, and losses like this happen. But losing 24 regular players and having to rebuild every season makes it difficult. We need the state government to step in with support. It’s painful to be in this situation after the strides we made last season in the Super-6,” Okala said.

He emphasised that better salaries and welfare packages would not only prevent player departures but would also enable the club to remain competitive with other teams. He acknowledged that even if he does not benefit from these improvements, future coaches and players would enjoy a more stable environment.

Despite the setback, Okala remains hopeful, drawing inspiration from past seasons where the club bounced back from poor starts to qualify for major tournaments. He called for immediate changes to ensure the club’s long term stability and success.

Editorial

We believe Sabo Okala’s plea underscores a larger issue faced by women’s football teams across Nigeria lack of consistent financial support. Confluence Queens’ current struggles exemplify how instability in player retention and inadequate funding can derail a team’s progress, even after previous successes like their Super-6 participation.

It is time for state governments and private stakeholders to view women’s football as a critical part of national sports development. With proper investments, clubs like Confluence Queens can achieve sustained success, reduce player turnover, and inspire the next generation of athletes.

Okala’s recognition of the need for immediate intervention is commendable. We see his call as a call to action, not just for Kogi State but for other football administrators nationwide. Providing competitive salaries, improved welfare, and better working conditions is no longer a luxury it’s a necessity if Nigerian women’s teams are to thrive on the domestic and international stage.

Confluence Queens have the potential to regain their form, but without proactive measures, their journey could be an uphill battle. Now is the time for the Kogi State government to take Okala’s concerns seriously and invest in the club’s future.

Did You Know?

1. Confluence Queens’ Super-6 success The team participated in last season’s NWFL Super-6, a prestigious competition for the league’s top teams.
2. Sabo Okala’s coaching background Okala previously coached Honey Badgers and has gained a reputation for developing young talents.
3. Nigeria’s success in women’s football The country’s women’s national team, the Super Falcons, has won multiple AFCON titles, largely thanks to domestic league development.
4. Player migration in women’s football Many players leave their teams due to financial insecurity, highlighting the need for stable salary structures.
5. Women’s football’s growing global presence Countries like England and the U.S. have seen rapid growth in women’s football, showcasing how investment can drive success.