Barely a month into his new role, Monday Odigie has already etched his mark at Bayelsa United, guiding the Prosperity Boys to a famous 1-0 victory over Shooting Stars SC at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on matchday 1 of the 2025/26 NPFL season.
The result was more than just three points. It was a statement performance that announced Bayelsa’s intentions under Odigie, who, only weeks ago, was unveiled as head coach.
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Against Nurudeen Aweroro’s high-flying 3SC, a man that is known for his home games prowess, Odigie’s men showed resilience, tactical discipline, and just enough cutting edge to silence the boisterous Ibadan crowd.
The Match-Winner
The decisive moment came in the 30th minute through Kehinde Lawal, who ghosted through the 3SC defence to meet a perfectly delivered corner kick with a thumping header. The Oluyole Warriors’ backline was caught flat-footed, and Bayelsa United never looked back, defending resolutely to protect their lead.
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Odigie: “We took our chance and converted it”
At full time, Odigie reflected on his side’s tactical execution and pragmatic approach:
“We try to prepare for every game that comes our way based on the strength of our team and see how well we can keep the tactical discipline. That was what we came here to do.”
On whether he had foreseen such a victory, the coach was quick to dismiss any talk of premonition:
“Well, I’ve always been someone who says I’m not a soothsayer. I don’t envisage a game. I just go with a positive mindset and the players are trying to be on top of their game.
“Football is a game of chance, like you can see. It was an even game. We just made a chance and were able to convert our chance.”
Defensive solidity the foundation
Odigie, who built Bendel Insurance into one of the league’s most tactically disciplined outfits before his move to Bayelsa, praised the collective commitment of his players:
“If you cannot defend, it might be difficult for you to win a game. We just try to keep the defensive principles football-wise. Try to improve the players individually to be up to their games technically, tactically.
“And then together as a team, it was a solid performance from all the players, not just the defenders. They tried to be there when they didn’t have the ball.”
Squad depth and future signings
Asked whether Bayelsa United’s relatively thin squad would be reinforced, Odigie was candid:
“Any team that wants to go for the league needs to have quite a number of players. So whatever you have at the beginning, subject to lapses, you keep looking for better legs.
“You can’t rule that out; that the team might have to sign players to support the ones that they have.”
No loud statements, just work
Many expected Odigie to celebrate his early success as a bold warning to rivals, but the coach refused to be drawn into making proclamations:
“I think every team in the league should be watched out for. Coming to Ibadan to play against Shooting Stars is not a small game at all. Shooting Stars is a big team. They played much better than us, if I am able to say that. But we were able to take our chances.
“I don’t believe in making statements out of the pitch. If the boys give their best, then the statements can be made.”
Collective before individuals
When asked to single out a standout performer, Odigie remained consistent with his philosophy:
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“Well, I think all the eleven players are my standout players.”
The bigger picture
The victory is an early boost for Bayelsa United, who are determined to shake off the struggles of last season and establish themselves as more than survivors.
With Odigie at the helm, a coach renowned for discipline and tactical sharpness, Bayelsa have sent a quiet but powerful message: underestimate us at your peril.
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