2024/2025 NWFL Match Day 12: Heartland Queens eye Remo Stars Ladies' scalps in premiership showdown

Posted : 15 April 2025

Heartland Queens will continue their determined fight to finish the season strong against the vice-group leaders and two-season campaigners, Remo Stars Ladies, in Wednesday's Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership matchday 12 game at the main bowl of Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Imo State.

When the top-flight teams met for the first time ever in the nation's premier league in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Wednesday, February 5, the two-season veterans were ruthless, thrashing their guests from Owerri 4-1.

That Match Day 4 nightmare continues to haunt the Owerri landladies like an eerie ghost, given the mixed fortunes of the two sides on the eight-team group’s table, with three games left to end the regular season.

Entering Wednesday's showdown, the second-ever meeting between the two sides, both teams suffered defeats in their Matchday 11 fixtures, with the same 0-1 scorelines. The Owerri side fell 0-1 to their eastern neighbors, Abia Angels, in Umuahia, while the Sky Blue Ladies were defeated 0-1 by the champions and leaders, Edo Queens, in their backyard in Ikenne.

While the Owerri side has become complete outsiders for the NWFL Premiership Super Six playoffs and can only fight for a respectable placement on the overall standings, the Ikenne-based team is determined to secure one of the top three spots.

The outcome of the game may come down to the personnel in charge of both sides. Both teams have experienced managers: Obi Ogbala of Owerri and Matthew Wemimo of Ikenne. The instructions they give to their players and how those players execute them will be crucial to the result.

Ogbala has not been lacking in trying different options and combinations recently in an attempt to achieve the desired result. The mixtures in the last three games have been almost perfect, and he may choose to stick with those options for a positive result against the visitors from Ikenne.

The young goalkeeper, Amarachi Atulayo, who has been performing exceptionally well of late, may get the trust of the manager to guard the post, supported by regulars Oluomachi Onwere, Nnenna Williams, Ebubechi Ozuruigbo, Prisca Nwachukwu, and Ezinne Wokocha in defense. Faith Samson, Oluchi Okwara, Endurance Omoraka, and Chizoba Johnson may be options in midfield, while captain Chimebere Opara, Blessing Saleh, Monica Matthew, Onyinyechi Kalu, Emmanuella James, and Oluebube Umejiaku are potent attacking options.

A victory for Heartland Queens would be a welcome boost to secure their sixth spot on the eight-team group table, with eight points, 21 points behind champions and runaway leaders, Edo Queens, with three games left in the regular season.

2024/2025 NWFL Match Day 12: Heartland Queens eye Remo Stars Ladies' scalps in premiership showdown

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