The 2022 Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament has reached the quarter-finals stage, with just eight of the 12 teams that entered the competition still in with a chance of claiming the trophy.
We witnessed plenty of goals and excitement in the group stages which came to an end on Saturday, the 10th of September.
The 10 games (excluding two matches forfeited) played at the group stages produced a total of 47 goals (six from forfeited games).
One can be assured the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament quarter-finals promises similar excitement as we reach the business end of the competition.
Nasarawa Amazons v Naija Ratels – UNIBEN Sports Complex – 10 am
At the University of Benin Sports Complex, a must-watch match will be between Nasarawa Amazons and Abuja-based Naija Ratels. The last time both teams faced each other was at the NWFL Super Six held in Benin City. At the feisty encounter, Amarachi Okoronkwo’s brace ensured Nasarawa Amazons triumph over Naija Ratels. At this tournament Nasarawa Amazons, finished top of Group A scoring a total of 11 goals and conceded one goal from the spot. Naija Ratels, on the other hand, lost to Confluence Queens in their first game but bounced back against Fortress Ladies.
This game will be the spectacle of the day, can go both ways but Nasarawa Amazons are favourites.
FORM GUIDE
Nasarawa Amazons: WW
Naija Ratels: WL
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Nasarawa Amazons: Kesiena Ojiyovwi with 3 goals, Hembafen Ayatsea 2 goals and Amarachi Okoronkwo with two goals will be the ladies to watch out for and Dooshima Tarnum who though hasn’t been in her usual element with just a goal to her name, but her presence in this tournament will with no doubt cause defenders sleepless nights, especially in their match on Monday.
Naija Ratels: Motunrayo Ezekiel will be eager to help her side cause upset against the Solid Babes and surely she will be expected to add to her one goal scored in two matches.
Prediction: Nasarawa Amazons will scale through 3-1
Confluence Queens v Robo Queens – Western Boys High School – 10 am
Confluence Queens defeated a lacklustre Fortress Ladies 3-1 to seal their last eight spots while Robo Queens lost to Nasarawa Amazons by a lone goal, thanks to their first high-margin victory over Bravehearts Ladies in the first match.
Confluence Queens finished top of Group C with a +3 goal difference.
The Lokoja-based side will go into this tie as the underdogs, although with an unbeaten record, but will fancy their chances against Osahon’s side.
FORM GUIDE
Confluence Queens: WW
Robo Queens: WL
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Confluence Queens: Merit Ofor, Titilayo Abdullah, and Esther Moses will brace up for their impressive performance against Fortress Ladies to inflict pain on the Lagos-based side.
Robo Queens: The duo of Lawal Taiwo and Ijamilusi Shade are both on fire with a haul to their names each they are capable of damaging the defence of Confluence Queens.
Prediction: Confluence Queens to go through via shootouts.
Edo Queens v Heartland Queens – UNIBEN Sports Complex – 1 pm
Finishing second in Group D of the tournament, Heartland Queens who are yet to win a game on the pitch will be up against Edo Queens who have scored 10 goals in this tournament.
Resurgent Edo Queens have shown their attacking prowess and defensive solidity, Heartland Queens will have a hard job in keeping the Obaseki Girls out.
FORM GUIDE
Edo Queens: WW
Heartland Queens: LW
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Edo Queens: Fajobi Yetunde scored a hat-trick from the bench in their victory over Royaltoms FC, she is expected to come up in handy for her side. Eunice Godwin and Joy Jerry seem to have settled down into the Benin-based side – they are a headache for any defence lines against them.
Prediction: Edo Queens have all it takes to win this 2-0
Delta Queens v Royal Queens – Western Boys High School – 1 pm
A Delta derby will be witnessed in Benin where Delta Queens will face Royal Queens of Warri. Delta Queens finished top of Group D defeating Heartland Queens and three points from a forfeited match against Osun Babes. Royal Queens on the other hand has not had it easy. They finished second in Group B, losing to Edo Queens and winning against Royaltoms.
Royal Queens are underdogs in this one, but in football, anything is possible.
FORM GUIDE:
Delta Queens: WW
Royal Queens: LW
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Delta Queens: Mercy Omokwo and Chinansa Agoh will be pivotal to their team’s success while for Royal Queens, Ayomide Arowokeye and Ijeje Favour with a goal each will be relied on by the Warri fans to push them to the last four.
Prediction: Delta Queens to scale through 3-2