CAF pays tribute to Okara ahead of Champions League kickoff

With all eyes of African football lovers fixed on what is to come in Morocco, the competition will be without one of the greatest contributors to women’s football in Nigeria, following the sad passing of Bayelsa Queens coach, Domo Okara in June this year.

Okara’s promising career as a coach ended tragically at the age of 47 on June 9, 2024, resulting in a huge loss for the women’s game in Nigeria.

Known for his tactical vision, dedication, and passion for women’s football, Okara’s lasting legacy extends to the CAF Women’s Champions League when he guided Bayelsa Queens to a third-place finish in the 2022 edition when they edged Tanzania’s Simba Queens 1-0 for the podium finish.

“These players are like my daughters.” This is how the coach described the unique bond that united him to his players, ahead of their match against Simba Queens.

Under his tutelage, Bayelsa Queens were one of the stand-out clubs in the 2022 edition, showing tactical awareness and astuteness in all departments that led them to an impressive podium finish behind winners AS FAR, and runners-up, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Their first match concluded with a slim 1-0 win over Green Buffaloes of Zambia, which was followed by a comfortable 3-0 win over Wadi Degla of Egypt.

One of Okara’s strengths was the ability to encourage his players to be bold and more confident.

Goalkeeper, Ange Gabrielle Bawou is one player who shone thanks to the confidence instilled by the late Okara that saw her playing a crucial role in the team’s impressive run in 2022.

With the clock gradually ticking this weekend’s start of the CAF Women’s Champions League, the story of Domo Okara and Bayelsa Queens in the CAF Women’s Champions League remains an inspiring chapter in the ever-evolving story