2025 President Federation Cup Round of 16: Heartland Queens raise alarm ahead of clash Onimarg FC

Posted : 02 May 2025

Heartland Queens head coach, Obi Regan Ogbala, has sent shockwaves through the footballing community by declaring that the Imo FA should be held accountable if his side fails to bring home the President Federation Cup trophy.

The statement came after Heartland Queens wrapped up their NWFL season in style, defeating Nasarawa Amazons 2-1 on Matchday 14.

A brace from Faith Samson and a consolation goal by Kesiana Ojiyovwo ensured the Owerri-based side ended their campaign with a morale-boosting win.

Speaking afterwards, Ogbala didn’t mince words about the state of his team and the challenges ahead.

“Heartland Queens is still a work in progress. I have a lot of players coming from the grassroots, and we are still trying to blend them in as each match goes by.

"It is obvious from the improvements in every game. It’s been a good run, even though we didn’t make it to the Super Six.

"Although I want to apologize to His Excellency, the governor, Hope Uzodimma, and to our fans for not making it to the NWFL Super Six this season.

"We are ready to move forward because, as you have seen, the girls have improved due to the level of understanding within the team, and you can now see flair in our game. We are good to go,” Ogbala said.

With the NWFL campaign behind them, all eyes now shift to the President Federation Cup, where Heartland Queens are set to face Onimarg FC in a Round of 16 showdown at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on Saturday.

“The Federation Cup is here, and we intend to make a statement in this tournament, considering our improved form. The intention is to go all out and win the trophy because that is what is left for us this season. But let me remind you all that if I fail to bring back the Federation Cup, hold our FA responsible,” Ogbala warned.

When pressed further on his strong comments about the Imo FA, the gaffer doubled down:

“I was shortchanged through my players. I don’t have a full squad; licenses were not given to all my players. Out of the 35 players we registered, only 16 were cleared. So, I’m using just 16 players to compete in the Federation Cup. But we will try our best—that’s the assurance I am giving to Imolites.

"Come Saturday, I promise Imolites that we will advance to the quarter-finals, and as the competition progresses, I believe we will do well,” he concluded.

Reports ahead of the tournament confirmed that Heartland Queens suffered a significant blow to their squad depth due to the late release of player licenses, a delay which the NFF blames on the State FA.

Despite the chaos behind the scenes, Ogbala is rallying his troops to turn adversity into opportunity as they aim to storm into the quarter-finals and keep their Federation Cup dream alive.

2025 President Federation Cup Round of 16: Heartland Queens raise alarm ahead of clash Onimarg FC

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