2025 NWFL Match Day 1: Heartland Queens set eyes on podium finish in 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership

Posted : 14 January 2025

Heartland Queens FC, fondly known as the Owerri landladies, are setting their sights on a statement-making season in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership season.

Fresh off their credible and impressive run to the 2024 NWFL Super Six tournament in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, last season, the Owerri-based team is determined to elevate their game and secure a podium finish, with a continental spot firmly in their sights.

Rated the fifth-best team in the country, Heartland Queens have bolstered their squad during the off-season with quality additions and are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare to kick off their campaign.

The Owerri-based side, under the guidance of tactician Obi Ogbala, has been buzzing with optimism as they gear up for their league opener against Ekiti Queens on Wednesday, January 15, in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti state.

The team’s new signings and stalwarts have expressed their readiness to make an impact on the pitch. Defensive midfielder Mary Popoola, who recently joined from Sunshine Queens, is eager to contribute to the team’s ambitions. "I’m quite aware that Heartland Queens made it to the NWFL Super Six last year, and I’m here to help the team achieve that feat again this season," she said.

"I want to experience the tournament and bring my best to the squad," she enthused.

Sensational defender Prisca Nwachukwu, a product of Imo Striker Queens and a standout performer for Nigeria’s U-17 national team, the Flamingos, is equally determined to strengthen the team’s defense. "I will work hard in the defense line, and by the grace of God, produce the best results. Clean sheets might be difficult to predict, but we will give it our all and hope for the best," she affirmed.

The side's emerging first-choice goalkeeper, Amarachi Atulayo, believes that her team is ready for the podium this time around. "We took our performance last season to the NWFL Super Six, our maiden and best record as a team. This time around, we want to take our game to the podium, and Africa is the main target.

"I believe we have all it takes to achieve that landmark with the qualities in the playing squad and the coaching crew, ably led by Coach Obi Ogbala. I'm confident we will achieve our best performance in this year's league season," said the amiable shot-stopper.

Captain Chimebere Opara shares the optimism of her teammates, insisting that this year's league season will bear fruit for the Owerri landladies. "Of course, we are more determined this time around than ever to contest for the podium after our superlative performance last season.

"We cannot aim for anything less than a podium finish. We have the material, the players, the coaches, and the support of our amiable governor and commissioner to aim for the highest heights," said the petite markswoman.

Heartland Queens’ opener against Ekiti Queens is expected to be a thrilling encounter as the team looks to make an early statement of intent.

With a mix of experienced players and youthful talent, the Owerri landladies are poised to deliver exciting football while keeping their eyes firmly on the topmost prize—a spot on the continent.

As the countdown to kick-off continues, the Queens' faithful will hope that Obi Ogbala’s tactical acumen and the players' determination will push them to surpass last season’s achievements and stake their claim among the league’s elites.

Will the Owerri landladies rise to the challenge and make their mark this season? The answer to this intriguing question begins in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti state, on Wednesday, January 15.

2025 NWFL Match Day 1: Heartland Queens set eyes on podium finish in 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership

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