The “Bendel Derby” between Delta Queens and Edo Queens at the ongoing Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership Super Six ended in a barren draw under a heavy downpour at the historic Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin City.
The much-anticipated game lived up to its billing with Edo Queens giving all they could, but all efforts were thwarted by their stubborn opponents. The first half of the game started with both teams looking good to go with passes kneated together from the end of both sides.
Edo Queens started on the front foot with Samuel neatly connecting Chioma Olise with a pass to the central and the latter’s ball was cleared off danger.
Edo Queens had another promising opportunity, but Joy Micheal rescued Delta Queens with a clearance as they struggled to cope with Edo Queens’ pace.
Delta Queens grew into the game and registered some moments of dominance in the middle of the pack, forcing Edo Queens to do much defending for the moment.
Edo Queens’ eagerness to get a goal increases with a couple of chances presenting themselves towards the end of the first half, but Yemisi Samuel and Chioma Olise couldn’t do better before the chances.
The second half produced only a few sparks with Edo Queens dominating for most of the duration. Yemisi Samuel had another opportunity to make an impact, but the breeze of the evening would blow her attempt far off goal.
With 10 minutes left to play, substitute, Omokwo tried a long-range shot, and Edo Queens’ goalkeeper, Nkiruka Obidinma dealt with that effortlessly.
Edo Queens for the last minutes of the game surged forward for a goal, but Delta Queens stood their ground, satisfied with sharing the spoils in the game which was dictated by the weather of the day.
Edo Queens’ coach, Wemimo Mathew: “The result we expected was to win the game. The girls did their best but we were unable to win “
“The weather contributed to the result of the game. At first when the game started my girls were on top of our game, but when the rain started, there was nothing we could do about it, but thank God, we didn’t lose the game and we still have four more games to play, which we would work well and make sure we get our winning tomorrow.”
Commenting on talks of pressure on her team as Edo State is hosting the Super Six, “No, we are not under any pressure, we just want to go and display our best, let the people of this state enjoy the game, I think better than the last.”
Ahead of the next match against Nasarawa Amazons, Wemimo remains positive. “We wish to win the game, if we want to lift the trophy, we need to win our next games.”
Delta Queens’ manager registered his contentment with the result, though hinted that the weather disrupted their plans.
“Fair result, but the rain disrupted the flow. We changed our tactics, the first game matters a lot, you don’t have any reasons to lose your first game, irrespective of whether we are playing Edo Queens or not. They are the hosts so we have to be careful when attacking too. The draw is not bad for us.”
“We have so many tactics but the rain did not allow us to express ourselves.”
Hostilities resume on Tuesday as the first match of day 2 will see Naija Ratels square up against Bayelsa Queens at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin. In the second match, Edo Queens will aim to get record their first victory against Nasarawa Amazons at the UNIBEN Sports Complex, by 1 pm and Rivers Angels in the last match of the day will battle Delta Queens, at 4 pm at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin.