Edo Queens today ended the perfect record of their host, Confluence Queens, into the NWFL Premiership 2021/2022 season with a 1-1 draw at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, Kogi State.
The Match.
Coach Wemimo made three changes to the team that drew 2-2 against Naija Ratels with Sunday Blessing, Nkiruka Obidinma and Ajimuda Rebecca all starting. The changes were felt as the girls went into the game with full confidence and controlled the field from the blast of the whistle. Confluence Queens registered their fear against the Benin based side as they adopted a conservative method, allowing Edo Queens to outplay them in all positions.
Edo Queens pucked their opponents down in the early minutes of the game with a series of attacks from the upfront combination of Chioma Olise, Rebecca Ajumuda, Yemisi Samuel connecting well with Suliat Abideen and Goodness Onyebuchi from the middle of the pack. The pressure got more on Confluence Queens who lost a counter attack and Suliat Abideen released Rebecca Ajumuda on the left with a perfectly looped ball; Rebecca drove in with pace and strength and delivered a cross into the box, but defender, Alexander handled the ball in the box and the centre referee made no mistake to point to the spot for Edo Queens penalty.
Ogbonna Akudo stepped up and she converted well to give her side a deserved lead on the 20th minute. Edo Queens grew more in confidence and had the lion share of ball possession and threatening attacks for the rest of the first half though Confluence Queens had few attacks initiated, Jumoke Alani, Blessing Sunday and Omowumi Oshobukola were alerted to wade off any dangerous attacks from their opponents.
The second half resumed in a different form as the home team threw balls at Edo Queen’s defence in search of an equaliser. The Godwin Obaseki girls did play to their strength, massively stopping their opponent’s attacks and counter attacking various occasions.
Ibinabo Georgewill on the 68th minute headed home a Merit Offor’s cross from close range after Edo Queens lost concentration from an initiated counter attack moments after Rebecca Ajumuda stepped out for Omotoke Odueke, to even the tie.
The two coaches made tactical substitutions to force a win, but Edo Queens with more created scoring opportunities fluffed their chances in front of the goal.
As the clock wind down, Edo Queens had attacks in quick succession when Chioma Olise, Emmem Essien and Ajimuda all tried their shots at goal, but the goalkeeper kept them at bay as the clock ticked down for the final whistle.
With this result, though a good result away from home, Edo Queens will end the year fourth on the group A table as Naija Ratels’ 5-2 win over Adamawa Queens sent them to the top of the group with 7 points, same as second placed Confluence Queens but with superior goals difference; Nasarawa Amazons with their 4-0 win over Osun Babes occupy the third position with six points, leaving Edo Queens to sit fourth.
Post Match Reaction. Coach Wemimo Mathew:
“I had a very tough game, the pitch you can see is not meant for football; they came all out, but they couldn’t get the three points because we stopped them from doing that.
“Going forward, we will work on our goal scoring play; as you can see, we created a lot of chances, but putting them in the back of the net was not just forthcoming, we need to work more on our goal scoring ability.”
Edo Queens XI: Nkiruka Obidinma, Suliat Abideen, Goodness Onyebuchi, Akudo Ogbonna, Alani Jumoke, Omowumi Oshobukola, Adaobi Okah, Yemisi Samuel(Emem Essien 45′), Rebecca Ajimuda (Omotoke Odueke 67′ Chioma Oliseh, Blessing Sunday
Unused Subs: Udoka Unachukwu, Osakpolor Efe, Deborah Odiagbe, Elizabeth Zirike, Fajobi Yetunde, Nneka Julius, Nwamaka Nnanene.
Caution: Rebecca Ajumuda (6th), Omotoke Odueke (66th), Adaobi Okah (69th).
Ojieva Ehiosun, head of Edo Queens FC FC media team