Confluence Queens suffered their first home defeat of the season, succumbing to Delta Queens in Lokoja. Rivers Angels were simply too strong for Heartland Queens as the Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) entered week nine. Week nine of the NWPL came up across six centres in the country recording a total of nine goals. Pelican Stars and Delta Queens were the only away winners.
Rivers Angels 2-0 Heartland Queens
Rivers Angels remained perfect at their fortress with a 2-0 win over Heartland Queens in a Group A tie. Things were relatively calm in the first half that saw Amarachi Orjinma miss a spot kick that was taken twice.
Few minutes into the second stanza, Heartland Queens’ Best Osuji was sent off for receiving her second yellow card.
The Jewel of Rivers capitalised on the numerical advantage and went in front. Substitute Chioma Wogu headed past the busy Maryann Akingbade in the 62nd minute.
Nigerian youth international Cynthia Aku made the game safe with her third goal of the season following an intelligent pass from Glory Iroka.
Ibom Angels 1-1 Sunshine Queens
Peter Udoakobong continued to grow her fast expanding reputation by scoring a crucial goal for Ibom Angels as the homers forced Sunshine Queens to a 1-1 draw. Tina Oyatelemhi silenced the home fans with a 44th minute opener.
Udoakobong grabbed the leveller with a well-timed finish in the dying minutes to snatch a draw against the Owena Mermaids.
FC Robo Queens 0-0 Abia Angels
FC Robo Queens and Abia Angels struggled in a 0-0 draw at the Legacy Pitch.
Monday Gift spurned no fewer than three excellent chances – half of her side’s total in the first half, with close-range strikes gobbled up by impressive Abia Angels goalkeeper Monle Omini.
For their part, Abia Angels improved as the first half wore on, yet chances were at a premium for Ann Chijiene’s wards.
Ndubuisi Esther did manage to find the net late on, but the assistant referee’s flag had been raised and hopes of any late joy began to fade. Rasheedat Ajibade was denied twice by Omini as the clock ran down, but ultimately neither side did enough to earn a winner.
Confluence Queens 0-1 Delta Queens
Rosemary Okezie’s late first-half goal moved Delta Queens into third, and ended Confluence Queens four-game unbeaten home run in the Group B of the top tier division.
The New Direction controlled the proceedings on the pitch but failed to make the most of their chances.
Okezie, guilty of missing half chances, capitalised on a rare error from Ogechi Joseph to give the Kwale based outfit the lead.
Confluence Queens rued their luck as they were denied by the central pair of Joy Jegede and Margaret Etim, who were formidable at the heart of the defence.
Saadatu Amazon 1-2 Pelican Stars
Pelican Stars reaped a hard earned 2-1 win over Saadatu Amazon as Moses Pato provided the second half decider. The Allah Mai Iko Girls had a bright start at home as Chinaza Enuma saw her chip beat Pelican Stars goalkeeper Odunayo Adenaike for the opener with 15 minutes into the match.
As the match progressed, Pelican Stars came to the party and deservedly equalised through Aminat Waheed. The attacking midfielder latched on to Joy Nkoro’s cross to score.
The Calabar side increased their efforts in the second half and netted the match winner through Pato, who rounded goalkeeper Suleiman Hajarat before turking the ball to the empty net.
With their third win of the season Pelican Stars climb from seventh to sixth place in the standings. Meanwhile, Saadatu stay at the foot of the table.
Osun Babes 1-0 Nasarawa Amazons
Laidi Bashiru’s Osun Babes side grabbed another big win, beating highly fancied Nasarawa Amazons 1-0.
Kesiena Ojivwho had a simple tap-in 27 minutes into the tight contest at the Oshogbo Township Stadium.
The Amazons nearly equalized, but Amarachi Okoronkwo’s free kick hit the woodwork.
The Omoluabi Queens now have 16 points after nine games and will travel to Pelican Stars next week.
Despite the loss, Nasarawa Amazons still maintain top spot with 16 points but have a better goal difference than second placed Osun Babes.
Full Results:
Group A
Rivers Angels 2-0 Heartland Queens
Ibom Angels 1-1 Sunshine Queens
FC Robo Queens 0-0 Abia Angels
Group B
Saadatu Amazon 1-2 Pelican Stars
Confluence Queens 0-1 Delta Queens
Osun Babes 1-0 Nasarawa Amazons
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