Heartland Queens kicked off her 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) campaign on a narrow 0-1 loss to the hosts, Ekiti Queens on Wednesday at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti state.
The Owerri-based side showcased resilience and grit in the opening 45 minutes, keeping the homers at bay with a disciplined defensive display. The first half ended goalless with Heartland Queens standing tall against the Baoress Babes’ wave of attacks.
However, the second half brought a shift in fortune and momentum, and the much sought after breakthrough came for the home side in the 74th minute when Olaleye Odunayo capitalised on momentary lapses in the Owerri mainstreams defence. Her precise finish ultimately proved to be the whole difference in a match that had otherwise been evenly balanced.
Tried as the Owerri side gaffer could to get his team back on track with the new additions into the attack the homers held on to finish with aplomb. The duo, Tosin Ogundeko and Yetunde Ayantosho were brought in for the twos, Chizoba Johnson and Onyinyechi Kalu to shore up the attack, and later Happiness Agboye replaced Emmanuella James aimed at cancelling the deficit but the hosts thwarted all efforts to, at least, half the points.
Despite the setback, Heartland Queens showed brilliance and demonstrated the characteric never-say-die attitude that will undoubtedly boost her morale going forward in subsequent matches on the calendar as they head back to Owerri on Thursday.
Up next, the Owerri landladies will return to the Dan Anyiam Stadium where they will lock horns with the reigning champions, Edo Queens in what promises to be a mouthwatering matchday 2 encounter. Edo Queens will be coming into the clash with a blistering 5-0 win against Abia Angels in the season’s star match in Benin City, Edo State.
Coach Obi Ogbala’s tutored side will look to regroup and bounce back, aiming to turn their slaughter ground into a fortress of victories. The side’s faithfuls are expected to rally round the team as they fight to secure the points of the season.
