Danjuma Credits ‘Belief’ For Nasarawa Amazons’ Comeback Victory Over Bayelsa Queens

Danjuma Credits ‘Belief’ For Nasarawa Amazons’ Comeback Victory Over Bayelsa Queens

By Admin 

Nasarawa Amazons head coach Christopher Danjuma has attributed his side’s dramatic comeback victory over defending champions Bayelsa Queens in the 2026 NWFL Premiership Super Six to a simple but powerful message: belief, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Amazons recovered from a goal down to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, maintaining their perfect start to the competition and strengthening their position among the leading contenders for the league title.

Bayelsa Queens appeared on course for victory after Chiamaka Ezekwugo opened the scoring early in the second half. However, Nasarawa Amazons responded through Farikikyen Moses before captain Ayatsea Hembafan struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner to complete the turnaround.

Speaking after the match, Danjuma revealed the message he repeatedly delivered to his players following Bayelsa Queens’ opener.

“Believe,” the coach said.

“It was a simple word. Believe. Believe that you can come out of this place with something.”

According to Danjuma, the comeback reflected the team's resilience and determination to remain in contention for the championship.

“I kept shouting, ‘Believe.’ Yesterday, I talked about mentality and adaptability. When you are one goal down and you know you want to remain in the race, you cannot afford to leave any match without getting something from it,” he said.

The experienced tactician stressed that his players remained focused on the objectives they had set for themselves at the start of the campaign.

“I told them to believe in the target we have set for ourselves, believe in how far we want to go in this competition and what we want to achieve. Every day we step onto the pitch, we must keep believing. That was the message.”

Despite narrowly missing out on the league title last season, Danjuma insists his team is fully focused on the present rather than dwelling on past disappointments.

“2025 is gone,” he said.

“2026 is another year, another mentality and another focus.”

The victory over Bayelsa Queens moved Nasarawa Amazons to six points from two matches, making them the only team with a perfect record after the opening rounds of the Super Six.

Attention has already shifted to the Amazons’ next fixture against Abia Angels, one of the surprise packages of the tournament.

Danjuma acknowledged the challenge posed by the Umuahia-based side, particularly given their impressive record against his team during the regular season.

“Every match we play here requires a different intensity and a different approach,” he explained.

“We want to approach every game with whatever it needs.”

The coach also highlighted a statistic that has added extra motivation ahead of the encounter.

“Abia Angels were the only team that took four points from us during the regular season. I think it has come to a point where we want to take our points back.”

His comments have added further intrigue to what is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the Super Six campaign.

A key figure in the comeback victory was captain Ayatsea Hembafan, whose stoppage-time winner capped another influential display.

Traditionally deployed in wide positions, Hembafan has recently been operating in a more central role, a tactical adjustment that has enhanced her influence on matches.

Danjuma explained that the positional switch reflects his philosophy of maximizing the versatility of his players.

“Even during my playing days, I could play in midfield, on the right or on the left,” he said.

“I am blessed with players who can perform in different positions. Depending on my game plan, I can alternate them, and they always give me the results.”

That tactical flexibility proved decisive once again as Hembafan delivered the winning moment that preserved her side’s flawless start to the tournament.

The Nasarawa Amazons coach also commented on the yellow card he received during the match.

Danjuma said he was surprised by the caution, explaining that he was simply relaying tactical instructions to his players from the touchline.

“I don’t know what the implications are,” he said.

“If there is any implication, they will send me a letter.”

According to the coach, the referee believed he was interfering with play while communicating with his team.

“I was just passing instructions to my team, and the referee said I was interfering again. I apologised because I did not know the rule.”

With momentum firmly on their side and confidence growing within the squad, Nasarawa Amazons will now look to extend their unbeaten run as the race for the 2026 NWFL Premiership title gathers pace.