512 days from their last battle in the beautiful town of Ijebu Ode, FC Robo Queens and Edo Queens reconvene at the ancient city of Benin for the final of the only women’s pre-season tournament in Nigeria; the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament.
Neither of both sides has laid their hands on this trophy and this encounter will be an opportunity for just one team to get their hands on the prestigious silverware for the first time in their history.
Heartland and Nasarawa Amazons have been sent packing by Adukwu’s side en route to the final, while Emmanuel Osahon’s ladies knocking out a duo of Confluence Queens and Delta Queens.
Moses Adukwu’s side advanced to the showpiece event after dumping Nasarawa Amazons out in the semi-finals via penalty shootout, while Delta Queens were no match for Robo Queens with the latter winning by a three-goal difference,4-1.
An exciting crowd will take their seats at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for Friday’s showpiece event, as both Edo Queens and FC Robo endeavour to win the tournament for the first time in their history.
PREVIEW: Edo Queens v FC Robo Queens – Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium – 5pm
BraveHeart Ladies were humbled. Royal Queens’ magnificent defence was crushed. Heartland Queens felt the full force of Eunice Godwin, Nasarawa Amazons will forever remember Nkiruka Obidinma and you might ask why.
With nothing to separate the two sides after a tense 90 minutes of action, Nkiruka Obidinma would make headlines for all the good reasons in Nigeria after saving the Amazons’ first spot kick of the day during the penalty shootout while her teammates remained perfect from 12 yards to secure a place in the final.
No matter how many times Edo Queens appeared to be down in the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament, serial winner Moses Adukwu had other ideas.
For FC Robo Queens, seeking to quickly dust themselves down after a humbling opening-day defeat to Nasarawa Amazons, Benin City witnessed some magnificent footballing moments. Osahon’s side left the likes of Fortress Ladies, Confluence Queens and even Delta Queens in their wake en route to the 2022 Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament final.
The knockout stages seem to have been the easiest stages for FC Robo, netting 10 goals and one goal conceded so far, they’ll hope to enjoy their smooth ride in their final game. Delta Queens was an easy victory for them, Monday Gift, Taiwo Lawal, Rukayat Oladiti and Fehintola Mabakonje’s own goal secured a spot in the final for FC Robo Queens for, the first time in their history.
STATISTICS
Edo Queens: Edo Queens have scored in every match they played bar the semi-final goalless draw against Nasarawa Amazons. Edo Queens have found the back of the net a total of 14 times in four matches, conceding no goal.
FC Robo Queens: The proficient attack line of FC Robo Queens is a deadly one with 19 goals at this tournament. This Lagos-based side failed on only one occasion to score at this tournament, their opening loss to Nasarawa Amazons. Robo Queens have conceded two goals so far.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Edo Queens: Eunice Godwin, although unable to score against Nasarawa Amazons will be a major cause of worry for Robo Queens. Joy Jerry dispatched Edo Queens’ last penalty to win the game against Amazons’. The new signing has a hat trick to her name and will hope to increase her tally. Suliat Abideen is another big name that will set troubles for the FC Robo defence, in the last game she hit the crossbar from a 25-yard free-kick, and against Robo Queens, a goal will be expected. Nkiruka Obidinma, the goalkeeper of Edo Queens is the only lady yet to concede a goal at this tournament.
FC Robo Queens: Taiwo Lawal averages 1.8 goals per game for FC Robo and is in contention for the tournament’s highest goal scorer with seven goals to her name. Monday Gift was on target in her first start for FC Robo at this tournament, her attacking prowess will be a cause of worry for Edo Queens. Folashade Ijamilusi is another attacking powerhouse for FC Robo.
FORM GUIDE
Edo Queens: WWWD
FC Robo Queens: LWWW
PREDICTION
Five million naira is up for grabs, it’s a no-brainer that Adukwu and Osahon will know better than anyone else that form goes out the window when it comes to finals like this, which ought to give the fans of any of the two sides hope that they could be celebrating their first ever Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament crown at the end of the night.
The last time both sides met, it was on the 21st of April, 2021 at the 2021 NWFL Super Six in Ijebu Ode, where Edo Queens lost 4-1 to FC Robo with Monday Gift, Oke Maria, Esther Onyenezide and Taiwo Lawal netting against Edo Queens. Jumoke Alani scored the only goal in the 61st minute for the Edo-based side whilst Stanley Osazee was the coach of the Obaseki Girls. Now, Adukwu a serial winner is at the helm of affairs.
FC Robo Queens in recent times have failed to deliver at women’s football top events when it matters most, but the pressure of such an occasion, although a pre-season tournament might get to them this time around.
Osahon’s side will not go down lifting the trophy, but we are backing Adukwu to end Edo Queens’ wait for the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament with the Edo giants.