The Nigerian women’s football community is in mourning following the sudden death of Domo Okara, head coach of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership side, Bayelsa Queens.
Okara, who led the team to numerous successes, passed away in the early hours of Saturday, 8 June, 2024, at the age of 47.
Okara’s contributions to women’s football in Nigeria are profound and enduring. He recently guided the Bayelsa Queens, also known as the Prosperity Girls, to a third-place finish in the 2023/2024 NWFL Premiership Super Six held in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.
In 2023, he led the team to victory in the President Federation Cup in Asaba, Delta State, after narrowly missing out on the league title.
His leadership saw Bayelsa Queens reach the final of the 2022/2023 NWFL Premiership Super Six in Asaba, where they were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Delta Queens.
Okara took over from Edo Queens coach, Moses Aduku, who had previously won the 2021/2022 league title. Under Okara’s guidance, Bayelsa Queens clinched the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League Qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire in 2022, showcasing his tactical acumen and ability to inspire his team to new heights.
One of Okara’s most significant achievements was leading Bayelsa Queens to Nigeria’s best-ever finish at the CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco in 2023. The team secured a bronze medal with a 1-0 victory over Simba Queens from Tanzania.
Domo Okara’s death is a tremendous loss to Nigerian football, especially women’s football, where he left an indelible mark. His strategic prowess, commitment to the sport, and ability to lead and inspire his team will be remembered by many.
The football community, fans, and players are left to mourn the untimely loss of a coach who not only achieved greatness but also set a standard for dedication and excellence in the sport.
