At the Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri, Wednesday April 1st was NWFL encounter between Heartland Queens FC Owerri and the Naija Ratels Abuja.
From the first whistle, the Heartland Queens asserted their dominion.
Their midfield very tight, cutting off the Ratels attempts to build from the back.
The Ratels, known for their gritty, counter attacking style, found themselves pinned, their sting neutralized.
Heartland Queens pressure told in the 24th minute. A swift, incisive move into the Ratels box ended with a clumsy challenge. The referee’s whistle was immediate, pointing decisively to the spot.
A penalty awarded, Faith Samson sent the ball rocketing into the bottom left corner. The goalkeeper dove, but the precision was perfect,’1-0.
Heartland pushed for more. Ten minutes later, in the 34th minute, their persistence paid off again. A beautiful curling cross from the right wing found Oluebube charging into the box like a train.
She launched herself through the air, meeting the ball with a powerful header that gave the goalkeeper no chance. 2-0, for the Heartland Queens.
The goal rattled the Ratels, and the Queens surged forward. The visitors defense, once organized, began to show cracks under the constant onslaught.
The remaining minutes of the half were a formality. The Ratels tried to muster a response, but every attack was snuffed out by the formidable Heartland backline.
The second half was a different, more tactical battle. The Ratels threw more bodies forward. They enjoyed more possession and created a couple of half chances, but the final touch or the decisive pass eluded them.
The Heartland Queens, content with their lead, dropped deeper, organized their lines impeccably, though they missed chances to add a third goal.
As the final whistle blew, the score remained Heartland Queens 2 – 0 Naija Ratels.
For the Naija Ratels, it was a day to forget in Owerri.
