By John Dike, Osogbo
The 2025/2026 NWFL Premiership season kicked off with fireworks across Nigeria, as 18 of the 19 registered teams took to the field in what promises to be one of the most competitive campaigns in recent history. But among all the matches played, one fixture rose above the rest — the clash between Dannaz Ladies and Osun Babes FC.
Not because it produced the highest scoreline. Not because it was played under the brightest lights.
But because it carried every ingredient that makes football magical: drama, passion, grit, and last-minute suspense.
Osun Babes may have lost 3–2, but they won something even more valuable — the admiration of neutrals, pundits, and fans alike.
At the heart of this impressive performance is a man whose arrival has already begun to reshape the destiny of the club: Coach Bankole Olowookere
To those who follow women’s football closely, Olowookere needs no introduction. He is the tactician who led Nigeria’s U-17 girls to the last FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup in Morocco, earning respect for his tactical brilliance, calm temperament, and ability to mold young talents into fearless competitors.
He brought all of that — and more — into his new assignment at Osun Babes FC.
Barely a month after taking charge, Olowookere has breathed life into a team that desperately needed direction. His impact is already undeniable. Against Dannaz Ladies in Lagos, Osun Babes played with structure, courage, intensity, and belief — qualities that had been missing for far too long
Observers at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena were unanimous: Osun Babes played like a team reborn.
Olowookere has quickly established a style of football that blends tactical intelligence with purposeful aggression. His team played with confidence, switching from defense to attack seamlessly and pressing with well-coordinated urgency. Even in defeat, their bravery shone through.
Beyond tactics, the new coach has instilled discipline, unity, and strong dressing-room spirit. His exceptional man-management — praised at national level — is now evident in Osun Babes’ renewed energy, commitment, and cohesion.
He speaks to players as a mentor, motivates them as a leader, and pushes them as a winner.In return, the players respond with passion on the pitch.
For years, Osun Babes FC — once a powerhouse in women’s football — struggled for identity and consistency. The spark was missing; confidence was low; and results were far from expectations.
But with Olowookere’s arrival, confidence is back. Energy is back.
Most importantly, belief is back.
There is now a special aura around the team — a spirit that suggests the Omoluabi Queens are on the brink of resurgence.
Fans who watched the game in Lagos left the stadium convinced that something new is happening at Osun Babes FC. Opponents now speak cautiously when the team is mentioned. A quiet fear is creeping into the league: Osun Babes are coming back.
If what Osun Babes displayed in Lagos is a glimpse of what is to come, then the league should brace itself. Under Coach Bankole Olowookere, this team can compete, surprise, and achieve big things.
He has not only brought technical expertise; he has brought hope.
He has given the players a system, a purpose, and a dream.
With his brilliance on the touchline and the players’ hunger on the pitch, Osun Babes FC can aim for the top once again — and perhaps reclaim the glory that once made them giants of the NWFL Premiership.
With Bankole Olowookere on the technical bench, Osun Babes can aspire to anything — and achieve everything.
