Edo Queens FC in their first match of the Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership Super Six were forced to a barren draw by their neighbour, Delta Queens in the second match of the opening day, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
The first half of the game started with both teams looking good to go with passes neaded together from the end of both sides.
Edo Queens started on the front foot with Samuel neatly connecting Chioma Olise with a pass to the central and the latter’s ball was cleared off danger.
Edo Queens had another promising opportunity, but Joy Micheal rescued Delta Queens with a clearance as they struggled to cope with Edo Queens’ pace.
Delta Queens grew into the game and registered some moments of dominance in the middle of the pack, forcing Edo Queens to do more of a defence game.
Edo Queens’ eagerness to get a goal increases with a couple of chances presenting themselves towards the end of the first half, but Yemisi Samuel and Chioma Olise couldn’t concert the chances.
The second half produced only a few sparks with Edo Queens dominating for most of the duration. Yemisi Samuel had another opportunity to make an impact, but the windy downpour of the evening would blow her attempt far off goal.
With 10 minutes left to play, substitute, Omokwo tried a long-range shot, and Edo Queens’ goalkeeper, Nkiruka Obidinma dealt with that effortlessly.
Edo Queens for the last minutes of the game surged forward for a goal, but Delta Queens stood their ground, satisfied with sharing the spoils in the game which was dictated by the weather of the day.
*Post-match reactions*
Edo Queens Coach, Wemimo Mathew: “The result we expected was to win the game. The girls did their best but were unable to win”.
“At the beginning of the game when there was no rain, you could see how our girls were able to hold themselves, but the rain came and there is nothing we could do about it. In our next game, we need to put in more effort.”
Delta Queens Coach, Tosan Blankson: “Fair result, but the rain disrupted the flow. We changed our tactics, the first game matters a lot, you don’t have any reason to lose your first game, irrespective of who we are playing, Edo Queens or not; They are the hosts so we have to be careful when attacking too, the draw is not bad for us”.
Edo Queens will play their second game of the tournament on Tuesday against Nasarawa Amazons, at 1 pm at the University of Benin sports complex.
