Heartland Queens face Beninois’ Aigle Royal in BOWFT game

Posted : 10 October 2024

Heartland Queens will go up against the Benin team, Aigle Royal d’Adjara, in the ongoing 2024 Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) in the ancient city of Benin, Edo State.

The BOWFT game will be played at the turf of Western Boys High School in Benin City. Historically, this matchup is significant, as it will be the first-ever game between the two teams. It will also be recorded as the first time the Owerri side has engaged in a competitive football match with an international opponent from West Africa, specifically Benin Republic.

Prior to this epic clash, the Owerri landladies have been impressive in their performances at the annual preseason showcase, maintaining a perfect record against NWFL Championship sides, Fortress Ladies and Delta Babes.

In contrast, Aigle Royal d’Adjara has faced challenges against NWFL Championship teams, losing both matches against Delta Babes and Fortress Ladies consecutively.

While the Owerri side has already secured a spot in the quarterfinals, the premier league team aims for a flawless performance in the group stage, not only seeking outright victories but also clean sheets, as they have yet to concede a goal in the four-day-old BOWFT.

Ahead of the match, the head coach of the Owerri side, Obi Ogbala, stated that his focus is to approach the games calmly, one at a time, regardless of the opposition and with favorable results.

“Of course, we are in the quarterfinals, yet I am concentrating on achieving 100 percent results in the group stage. I want to make it three matches with three wins without conceding a goal.

“We have a test ahead against the Benin Republic side, Aigle Royal d’Adjara, on Thursday, and our goal is to win convincingly.

“We are not concerned with their previous two matches against Delta Babes and Fortress Ladies. While they lost those matches, they remain a team we must approach with seriousness and respect.

“We do not want to fall victim to a surprise attack; they are an international side and have their pride to protect, but we are determined to win.

“Afterward, we will shift our focus to the quarterfinal opponents and tackle that challenge head-on.

“We are founding players of BOWFT, and as the tournament is in its fourth year, the time is ripe for us to strive for the podium,” said the soft-spoken coach.

Heartland Queens are likely to face the runners-up in Group B, which will be determined between the Benin champions, Espoir FC de Cotonou, and NWFL Championship side, Brave Hearts, as the first spot in the group has been taken by former Nigerian champions, Bayelsa Queens.

Heartland Queens face Beninois’ Aigle Royal in BOWFT game

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