Heartland Queens were defeated 1-2 by the reigning champions, Edo Queens, in the 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership Matchday 2 clash on Wednesday at the main bowl of Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.
A goal in each half of the crunch match—scored in the 40th and 70th minutes by the tireless Goodness Osigwe—made Heartland Queens midfielder Monica Matthew's well-taken penalty in the 48th minute nothing more than a mere academic exercise.
Both sides came out strong, seeking to stamp their dominance early on, but all initial forays were well dealt with by the goalkeepers at each end.
Heartland Queens goalkeeper Amarachi Atulayo did well to keep the rampaging Edo Queens forwards from causing any harm, while her counterpart, Ijeoma Uzoma, was equally impressive in thwarting attempts from the Owerri side.
The encounter featured fewer and clearer chances on goal. Edo Queens nearly took the lead in the 24th minute, with Amarachi Atulayo beaten, but the upright came to her rescue.
Heartland Queens had their fair chances too, but on each occasion, they lacked the cutting edge needed to finish properly, messing up promising efforts.
Heartland Queens' petite markswoman, Emmanuella James, came close twice to scoring but missed both times, thanks to the impressive performance of Edo Queens goalkeeper Uzoma.
When Osigwe scored with a well-struck grounder that beat the onrushing Atulayo, it was almost as if the message was clear: "You had your chances but failed to capitalize; now I will make mine count." This goal gave Edo Queens a one-goal lead at halftime.
Upon resumption, Heartland Queens equalized from the spot through Matthew, and there was a renewed push to take the lead, but to no avail.
Coach Obi Ogbala made four quick substitutions to strengthen the push for more goals. Yetunde Ayantosho, Tosin Ogundeko, Blessing Okon, and Nnenna Williams replaced Onyinyechi Kalu, Oluchi Okwara, Emmanuella James, and Kelechi Orgii, respectively, but the expected goals frustratingly went the way of the opposition in the 70th minute, with Osigwe scoring her second goal to seal the win for Edo Queens.
The defeat marks a back-to-back loss for the Owerri side, who will next host their neighboring rivals, Abia Angels, in Matchday 3 of the ongoing top-flight season.
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