NWFL Super Six Playoffs: Heartland Queens Held to Goalless Draw Against Nasarawa Amazons

Posted : 20 May 2024

Heartland Queens were held to a goalless draw by former champions Nasarawa Amazons in Saturday's NWFL Premiership Super Six playoffs matchday 1 game at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The matchup was predictably labeled by bookmakers as a grudge match given the existing rivalry between the premier league teams, which saw both sides going all out to cancel each other during the regular season.

The Owerri side showed resolve to earn the bragging rights, with just three minutes into the game, conjurewoman Mary Lucky was already knocking viciously on the opponent's door.

Unfortunately, her supposedly sweet-smelling goal was flagged down as the referee claimed to have spotted an infringement.

Unperturbed, the Owerri side accepted the decision with uncommon calmness and continued their prowl at the vital areas of the opponents in search of the match opener.

While the intensity was being mounted at the Lafia landladies' end, it was the Solid Minerals City side that had the best opportunity of the half to push their noses in front when they were awarded a penalty. Danger woman Chinyere Kalu stepped forward for the kick, but to her rude shock, the Owerri side netminder, Uchenna Chukwu, stretched to the fullest to stop the spot kick, to the relief of her side.

However, the Owerri side missed several begging chances to stamp their foot in front.

Also, bullish attacker Chinedu Chinaka's masterly and superb header missed the target by inches. Dead ball specialist and minister of defense, Chinyere Iheoma, had her powerful free kick well taken care of by the Lafia side goalie, Unachukwu.

Always the talisman and tormentor-in-chief in all matches, Lucky was not spared of vicious knocks and had to be treated several times.

Unachukwu was at her very best when she stood firm to save a blind shot in the six-yard box off the foot of the Owerri side's on-the-field captain, Chimebere Opara, earning huge applause from her teammates and bench to end the half even for both sides.

The Owerri side renewed their forays into the opponents' territory in a concerted effort to break the ice, to no avail.

The Owerri side pulled out off-color winger Onyinyechi Kalu for sleek finisher Chinwendu Orji, and it turned out to be the only substitution of the day. However, the change did not yield the desired result for the Owerri side or the opponents, who made several changes, including replacing the injured goalkeeper Unachukwu with Shukurat Bakare, to end the game goalless.

Heartland Queens will on Monday engage the Waterside side and group mates Confluence Queens in a matchday 2 clash at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

2024 NWFL Super Six Matchday 1 Results:
- Confluence Queens 1-5 Edo Queens
- Nasarawa Amazons 0-0 Heartland Queens
- Rivers Angels 1-1 Bayelsa Queens

NWFL Super Six Playoffs: Heartland Queens Held to Goalless Draw Against Nasarawa Amazons

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