In a match that many anticipate it’s the outcome, Confluence Queens of Lokoja will entertain Edo Queens of Benin in matchday 3 of the NWFL Premiership 2021/2022 season, 4 pm at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, for supremacy in group A, just as the year winds up.
Going into this match, Confluence Queens looks the favourite- owing to them playing at home and sitting at the top of their group with 6 points with five goals scored and no goal conceded from two games- nothing more is needed from the girls as motivation than the pride of sitting at the top of the group and ending the year in a more confident position, a win for them will mean they are five points clear of their biggest threat, in the group and that according to their followers is what they want.
Edo Queens on the other ground could as well end this game victorious- using the stone thrown at them to build a mansion. The Obaseki girls haven’t done too badly into the young season, but the late minute’s drama at the Ogbemudia stadium against newly-promoted Naija Ratels has left many to question their readiness into the season and living up to the billings; but it’s a game of football and according to many schools of thought, it’s better to start poorly and end on a brighter note – it’s on this philosophical saying that Edo Queens will be motivated going into today’s game against Confluence Queens.
Edo Queens has scored four goals this season, that’s an indication that they can score against any opponents, regardless of the location or the team’s capacity; this is a team Wemimo Mathew has configured the team into – a team every defence will dread playing against.
Match Determinants
Temitope Owoeye’s 89th minute strike was all the Obaseki girls needed to see off their opponents last season at the Ogbemudia stadium, the last time they met in the league as there was no second leg as the season was ended abruptly. In the two teams’ latest encounter, Emmem Essien’s goal helped Edo Queens pipped their today’s opponents by a lone goal at the Flying Officers Cup, in Abuja. On this background, Edo Queens will walk into this game with brewing confidence and just as Naija Ratels, give their opponents a befitting beating as a Christmas gift.
Edo Queens have a team comprising of young, energetic, hungry and focused players alongside experienced players who have been with the team for a long time as well as played at the topmost level of football; Onyebuchi, Akudo, Ogbonna, Zirike Elizabeth, Eminem Essien, Jumoke Alani are few to mention and their presence with the young crop of players will go a long way in handing the Obaseki girls their bragging rights over Confluence Queens.
Confluence Queens will be under immense pressure to win this game as it’s the only game they dread. Edo Queens is a threat to any team, including Confluence Queens and the fear of what they could do will be another factor standing against Confluence Queens. Confluence Queens are expected to win this match, by their fans, the pressure of doing so will heap burden on them and gives Edo Queens a free field playing atmosphere to nick it.
Tactically, Edo Queens is a better side, but Confluence Queens are more physical on the ball and would want to use that to their advantage. Edo Queens must not allow the Confluence Queens to play their “pitch game”, they must be resolute in front of goals and take their chances as they come.
Coach Wemimo is has shown that her team if full of the crop of players that can fit into her team based on the complexion of the game, so for Confluence Queens to rely on what they have seen before, then they might be at their peril. The Edo side can be flexible with formation as seen in the previous two matches and with that style, it will be a big head pain for Coach Tosin Olorunleke to determine which player should be worked on in the Edo Queens team.
Despite going into the match as a strong side, Edo Queens must watch out for the likes of Mercy Omokwu, Alexander Florence, George will Ibinabo, and as they take to the field. No respect is demanded these girls from Edo Queens, but the likes of Alani Jumoke, Akudo Ogbonna and Yemisi Samuel must be careful at the backline so as not to be caught unaware; Ayomide Ojo’s presence at the backline must also serve as a shield for her team against the Confluence Queens’ physical side.
Abideen Sulit and Onyebuchi must bring their creativity to the fore and Oliseh Chioma must come to her element to aid solidity and creativity in the middle of the pack. Edo Queens can create chances, this is where the forwards come in; the girls were wasteful in their last match against Ratels, a match for they could have won by 6 goals margin at minimum, being clinical in front of goals will be a huge reward for them, team, today and if they keep to the instructions given by their coach, today should be a good day for them.
Prediction: Confluence Queens 1-2 Edo Queens