Barely a month into his new role, Monday Odigie has already made his presence felt at Bayelsa United, guiding the Prosperity Boys to a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Shooting Stars SC at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan. The matchday one triumph in the 2025/26 NPFL season wasn’t just about the points—it was a bold declaration of intent.
Facing Nurudeen Aweroro’s high-flying 3SC, a side known for its dominance on home turf, Odigie’s men displayed grit, tactical discipline, and just enough attacking flair to quiet the boisterous Ibadan crowd.
The Decisive Moment
The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Kehinde Lawal rose above the 3SC defense to meet a well-placed corner with a thunderous header. The Oluyole Warriors were caught napping, and Bayelsa United held firm for the remainder of the match, defending with purpose and poise.
Odigie Speaks: “We Took Our Chance and Converted It”
Post-match, Odigie praised his team’s execution and discipline:
“We try to prepare for every game based on our team’s strength and maintain tactical discipline. That’s what we came here to do.”
Asked whether he had anticipated the win, Odigie was quick to downplay any notion of foresight:
“I’m not a soothsayer. I don’t envisage games—I approach them with a positive mindset. Football is a game of chances, and we took ours.”
Defensive Backbone
Known for building defensively solid teams, Odigie credited the collective effort:
“If you can’t defend, it’s hard to win. We focus on improving players individually—technically and tactically—and then bring it together as a team. It wasn’t just the defenders; everyone contributed.”
Squad Depth and Reinforcements
On the question of squad depth, Odigie acknowledged the need for reinforcements:
“Any team aiming for the title needs numbers. You start with what you have, but you keep looking for better legs. We may need to sign players to support the squad.”
No Bold Claims, Just Quiet Confidence
Despite the impressive start, Odigie refused to make grand declarations:
“Every team in the league deserves respect. Coming to Ibadan to face Shooting Stars is no small task. They played better than us, honestly. But we took our chances. I don’t believe in making statements off the pitch—let the boys do the talking.”
The Bigger Picture
This win marks a promising beginning for Bayelsa United, who are eager to move past last season’s struggles and redefine their identity. With Odigie at the helm—a coach revered for his tactical acumen and no-nonsense approach—the Prosperity Boys have sent a quiet but unmistakable message: they’re here to compete.
