By Kingsley Uzowulu
Heartland Queens’ unbeaten home run came to an abrupt end on Wednesday following a slim 0–1 defeat to Edo Queens in a Matchday 11 encounter of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
The Owerri side had approached the fixture with confidence, banking on their impressive home form to upset the former champions.
However, Edo Queens, known for their resilience in previous meetings, once again proved a tough opposition.
Both sides came into the tie from contrasting outings.
Heartland Queens were still smarting from a 0–2 loss to Ekiti Queens in Abeokuta, while Edo Queens were buoyed by a convincing 4–1 victory over Bayelsa Queens in Benin.
Heartland Queens started brightly, dominating early exchanges and pushing play into the visitors’ half.
Atulayo Amarachi led the early charge, but the hosts were wasteful in front of goal despite creating several scoring opportunities.
Edo Queens, disciplined and compact at the back, absorbed the pressure and restricted the hosts from making any meaningful breakthrough in the first half.
In search of more attacking impetus, the Heartland Queens’ technical crew introduced Azeez Samirat and James Emmanuel before the break, but the move failed to yield results as both teams went into halftime on level terms.
The second half saw a more determined Edo Queens side, who executed their game plan with greater precision.
Their breakthrough came in the 73rd minute when Mafisere Kafayat struck from a long-range free kick, catching the Heartland goalkeeper off guard to hand the visitors the decisive goal.
The home side responded with increased urgency, throwing more players forward in search of an equaliser.
However, poor finishing and Edo Queens’ defensive discipline ensured the scoreline remained unchanged.
Edo Queens held on to secure maximum points, completing a season double over Heartland Queens, having earlier won the reverse fixture by the same margin in Benin.
The result leaves Heartland Queens on 11 points, while Edo Queens strengthen their position with 24 points from 11 matches.
