As the build-up to the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) intensifies, respected sports analyst Ifeoluwa Leo has made a strong case for Bayelsa Queens’ safe hands, Monle Omini Oyono, to be selected as the home-based goalkeeper for the Nigerian national team.
In a passionate and data-backed commentary on his Facebook page, Leo questioned the rationale behind consistently overlooking Oyono—who boasts an impressive track record both locally and internationally—for the third goalkeeper slot usually reserved for players in the Nigerian Women Football League (NWFL).
“If the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are truly serious about doing the right thing, then the home-based goalkeeper slot has been well earned over the years by Monle Oyono,” Leo wrote. “Talk about consistency and progress—she keeps proving her worth.”
Monle Oyono’s credentials are undeniably strong:
✅ First-choice goalkeeper for Bayelsa Queens FC, one of the most consistent and top-performing teams in the NWFL.
✅ Represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2022.
✅ Nominated for CAF Interclub Player of the Year (Women) in 2024.
✅ Widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, goalkeepers currently playing in the NWFL.
Leo criticized what he described as a “ridiculous” trend of selecting reserve goalkeepers from lesser-performing teams over proven talents like Oyono.
“It is absolutely ridiculous to leave a first-choice goalkeeper of one of the best teams in the NWFL for the third choice of the same team,” he added, in what appears to be a swipe at certain political influences affecting selections. “We are going to WAFCON 2025 with the best options—not smuggled players. All eyes are on the NFF, the technical team, and the coach.”
The analyst closed his statement with a firm rejection of what he termed favoritism and subtle politicking in player selection, boldly stating: “We say NO to Nasarawa Falcons‼️‼️‼️”
As anticipation builds for the official squad list, Oyono’s name is one many fans and stakeholders will be hoping to see—not just for sentiment, but for merit.
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