Two first half goals from Heartland Qiueens of Owerri and one from Naija Ratels FC of Abuja in the second half were what separated the two Nigeria Women Football League(NWFL) teams in what was regarded as the star match of the day in a mid week match encounter.
Heartland Queens had approached the match with absolute seriousness at the blast of the referee’s whitsle which resulted in a second minute goal by Onyinyechi Kalu when she sold a dummy to an opponent and unleashed a shot with a left foot which caught Ratels goalkeeper, Patience napping.
On the 34th minute, Heartland Queens’ left full back, Chinyere Iheoma took a free kick outside the eighteen yard box that sailed into the net without any player stopping the ball for their second goal.Thus, the Owerri land ladies dominated the first half of the game which they deservedly won.
In the second half of the game, Naija Ratells matched Queens strength for strenght and mounted pressure on them, creatiing several scoring chances. This resulted in the 62nd minute goal by youngster, Saliu Grace who tapped the ball in with ease.
Both teams missed many scoring chances, with Ratels goalkeeper, Patience pulling many unbelievable saves which would have put the Queens at least four goals up earlier before full time.
In a post match chat with the two coaches, Olowookere Bankole of Naija Ratells described the match as a good one, stating I that NWFL this year improved more than that of last year as it was very competitive. He congratulated Heartland for winning, saying he had no ill-feelings against the match.
Also speaking, Obi Ogbala of Heartland Queens said he was very happy that he made Imo State Government and football fans happy by qualifying for the Super 6 for the first time, with a game in hand and expressed optimism that the team would do its best in the Supee 6 competition.