With the Nigerian Women Football League (NWFL) set to kick off in October, matchday three of the biggest women’s football pre-season tournament, the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament, sprung a few surprises while giving us a glimpse of what lies ahead this season.
One of the best showings was at the University of Benin Sports Complex where 10 of the 16 goals scored today came from Nasarawa Amazons showing their attacking prowess against NWFL Championship side BraveHeart Queens.
Nasarawa Amazons 10-1 Bravehearts Ladies
Goals: Hembafen Ayatsea 3′, 37′, Innocent Patricia 5′, Temitope Owoeye 19′, 49′, Amarachi Okoronkwo 28′, 44′, Kesiena Ojijovwi 30′, 66′, 77′ – Josi Amani.
In Benin City, it rained, not just water but also goals at the University of Benin Sports Complex. Nasarawa Amazons did not take it easy on BraveHeart Ladies as they squashed the Benin-based side in an 11-goal thriller; Nasarawa Amazons scored 10 in the game. From the third minute until the 77th minute, NWFL’s second-best team from the 2021/2022 season did not stop scoring. BraveHeart Ladies will have something to celebrate as they netted their first goal for the tournament from the spot courtesy of Josi Amani.
Confluence Queens 3-1 Fortress Ladies
Goals: Merit Ofor 21′, Titilayo Abdullah 27′, Esther Moses 47′ – Chiamaka Isigwe 49
Confluence Queens went into the match against Fortress Ladies knowing they couldn’t afford to lose. Matchday Three’s afternoon kickoff was a cagey affair, as both sides challenged for every loose ball, but also fluffed great chances as well as netting some fantastic goals in the first half.
Fortress Ladies let the Lokoja-based side know they were in for a fight, and the fully packed UNIBEN Sports Complex turned the game into a spectacle. However, it didn’t take long before Mercy Ofor broke the deadlock in the 21st minute to give Confluence Queens the lead from close range. Titilayo Abdullah doubled six minutes after the opener. The second half saw Esther Moses make it three in the 47th minute. It wasn’t long after Fortress Ladies reduced the deficit from Chiamaka Isigwe’s shot.
Confluence Queens held on to win the match heading into the knockout round with their heads held high, while Fortress Ladies’ time at the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament came to an end.
Royal Queens 2-0 Royaltoms
Goals: Ayomide Arowokeye 8′, Ijeje Favour 78′ (p)
It was a battle of royalty at the Western Boys High School mini-stadia in Benin City but only one side triumphed in the encounter. Royal Queens of Warri began the 10 am fixture with the burning desire to win and it took just eight minutes for them to take the lead courtesy of Ayomide Arowokeye. Efforts to score from both sides proved abortive until Ijeje Favour calmly converted from the spot in the 78th minute for Royal Queens. Royal Queens secured maximum points and are now through to the quarter-finals.