Heartland Queens were held to a goalless draw by former champions, Nasarawa Amazons in Saturday’s NWFL Premiership Super Six playoffs matchday 1 game at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.
The matchup was predictably pencilled down by bookmakers as most likely to be a grudge match given the existing rivalry between the premier leaguers that saw the sides going all out to cancel each other during the regular season.
The Owerri side showed resolute to earn the bragging rights with just three minutes into the game, conjurewoman, Mary Lucky was already knocking viciously on the opposite door and unfortunately her supposedly sweet smelling goal was flagged down as the referee claimed to have spotted infringement.
Unperturbed, the Owerri side took the decision with uncommon calmness and continued their prowl at the vital areas of the opponents in search of the match opener.
While the intensity is being mounted at the Lafia landladies end it was the Solid Minerals City side that had the best opportunity of the half to push their noses in front when they were awarded a penalty and the danger woman, Chinyere Kalu stepped forward for the kick but to her rude shock the Owerri side netminder, Uchenna Chukwu stretched to the fullest to stop the spot kick to the relieve of her side.
However, the Owerri side missed several begging chances to stamp their foot in front. Bullish attacker, Chinedu Chinaka’s masterly and superb header missed the target by inches. Dead ball specialist and minister of defence, Chinyere Iheoma had her powerful free kick being well taken care of by the Lafia side goalie, Unachukwu.
Always the talisman and tormentor-in-chief in all matches, Lucky was not spared of vicious knocks and had to be treated severally.
Unachukwu was at her very best when she stood firm to saved a blind shot in the six yards box off the foot of the Owerri side on-the-field captain, Chimebere Opara to earn huge applauses from her teammates and bench to end the half even for both sides.
The Owerri side renewed their forays into the opponents’ territory in a concerted effort to break the ice to no avail.
The Owerri side pulled out off colour winger on matchday, Onyinyechi Kalu for sleek finisher, Chinwendu Orji and it turned out to be the only substitution of the day but the change did not yield the desired result on the part of the Owerri side as well as the opposite who made several changes including the injured goalkeeper, Unachukwu as she was replaced by Shukurat Bakare to end the game goalless.
Heartland Queens will on Monday engage the Watersmeet side and group mates, Confluence Queens in matchday 2 clash at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa. Bayelsa state.
2024 NWFL Super Six matchday 1 results:
Confluence Queens 1-5 Edo Queens
Nasarawa Amazons 0-0 Heartland Queens
Rivers Angels 1-1 Bayelsa Queens.
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