Mannama Confident Ahead Of Federation Cup Clash With Bayelsa Queens

Assistant coach Confluence Queens Football Club of Lokoja, Abubakar Musa, remains confident ahead of his side Federation Cup semi-final encounter with Bayelsa Queens despite the side’s Week 5 NWPL loss to Ibom Angels on Saturday in Uyo.

Confluence Queens suffered a 2-0 defeat to Ibom Angels in the rescheduled match in a controversial way that halt the team’s three matches unbeaten run in all competitions.

Emem Essien put the home team in front in the 26th minute before Celine Ottah doubled the lead from a free-kick position to condemn Confluence Queens to their first defeat in four matches.

Mannama, as the gaffer is fondly called, insists the defeat in the league will have no disadvantage in his side’s ambitious clash with Bayelsa Queens in the Federation Cup.

“Its unfortunate we loss to Ibom Angels in the manner we did, the appointed match officials didn’t show up except the centre referee.

“And like the rules says the F.A can provide referees from a neighboring state in such situation. But to our dismay, they brought in referees without proper identification to officiate the match.

“This kind of situation is not good for the development of our League, things should be done in a proper way.”

Speaking ahead of the Federation Cup semi-final clash with Bayelsa Queens, Mannama believes his side stand a good chance to go through despite the favourable venue handed Bayelsa Queens.

“We are confident we can beat Bayelsa Queens. They are a very good side but we also stand a chance after knocking out the defending champions Rivers Angels,” said Mannama.