President Federation Cup: Returning Umejiaku inspires Heartland Queens’ march into quarter-finals

Posted : 04 June 2026

Heartland Queens booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 President Federation Cup in emphatic fashion as returning striker Umejiaku Oluebube delivered a stunning hat-trick in a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Ahudiyannem Queens at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Fresh from national team duties, Umejiaku wasted little time reminding everyone of her quality, producing a clinical display that underlined Heartland Queens’ growing credentials as genuine title contenders.

The Round of 16 encounter began cautiously, with both teams carefully feeling each other out in the opening exchanges. However, once Heartland Queens settled into their rhythm, they took complete control of proceedings.

The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Monica Mathew provided a delightful square pass for Umejiaku, who rose highest to nod home and give the Owerri Landladies a deserved lead.

Heartland Queens maintained their attacking momentum and doubled their advantage six minutes later. Doris Okoro threaded an intelligent pass through the defence, and Umejiaku calmly slotted beyond the goalkeeper to complete her brace before halftime.

The striker almost completed her hat-trick before the break, but her effort struck the woodwork as Heartland Queens went into the interval firmly in command.

Ahudiyannem Queens, led by former Heartland Queens attacker Lucky Mary, attempted to mount a response after the restart. However, the defensive partnership of Chikodi Ajubiga and goalkeeper Christiana Obia stood strong, frustrating every effort from the opposition.

Umejiaku eventually completed her treble on the hour mark with a moment of brilliance. Latching onto a perfectly weighted pass from Emmanuella James, she delicately lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to make it 3-0 and effectively seal the outcome.

The prolific forward remained at the heart of Heartland Queens’ attacking threat and played a key role in the fourth goal. Her penetrating run into the penalty area drew a foul, earning her side a penalty in the 73rd minute.

Monica Mathew confidently converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to cap a dominant performance from the Owerri-based side.

Despite introducing several substitutions, including five former Heartland Queens players, Ahudiyannem Queens were unable to find a route back into the contest as the Owerri Landladies comfortably saw out the remaining minutes.

The victory sends Heartland Queens into the quarter-finals, where they will face Ibom Angels.

The Uyo side secured their passage after edging Bayelsa Queens 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Awka Township Stadium.

With Umejiaku back among the goals and the team displaying strength in both attack and defence, Heartland Queens have further strengthened their claim as one of the favourites to lift this year's President Federation Cup.

The Owerri Landladies demonstrated exceptional technical dominance and tactical discipline to secure their spot in the next round. This comprehensive victory sets up an exciting quarter-final clash against Ibom Angels as the tournament intensifies. The team will look to sustain this stellar momentum to pursue the prestigious continental ticket.

President Federation Cup: Returning Umejiaku inspires Heartland Queens’ march into quarter-finals

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