Edo Queens proved why they are the Nigeria Women Football League champions with a convincing 3-0 win over Hasaacas Ladies of Ghana on the match day of the WAFU-B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers ongoing in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire.
The must-win match for the Ghanaians ended in a barren draw in the first half, no thanks to an influx of chances missed by Edo Queens, who outplayed their opponents on all fronts.
The second half started the way it ended for the Moses Aduku-led girls with more promising attacks launched at their opponents.
Things, however, took a negative turn for the Ghanaians when Edo Queens struck twelve minutes into the second half. Five touches from the goalkeeper to the opposition goal gave Edo Queens the deserved lead in the 57th minute.
Folashade Ijamilusi set up an unmarked Emem Essien, a fine pass inside the box and the NWFL reigning player of the season made no mistake to open the floodgate of goals.
Ten minutes later, Emem Essien scored her third goal of the tournament, her team’s second of the game. The Benin city-based team, from throwing, completed seven touches to get the second of the day. Blessing Ilivieda picked a ball from captain Suliat Abideen, located Esther Moses on the left wing and the receiver delivered a sumptuous cross into the box for Emem Essien to score in the 67th minute.Four minutes from regulation time, Edo Queens added the three. Suliat Abideen hit her trademark goal — unarguably the tournament’s best goal so far. Blessing Ilivieda, after her first goal attempt was blocked, laid a simple pass for Suliat Abideen and the captain, without delay, hit a curling ball into the angle 90 of the goal to make it three.
Four minutes from regulation time, Edo Queens added the three. Suliat Abideen hit her trademark goal — unarguably the tournament’s best goal so far. Blessing Ilivieda, after her first goal attempt was blocked, laid a simple pass for Suliat Abideen and the captain, without delay, hit a curling ball into the angle 90 of the goal to make it three.
Meanwhile, Emem Essien’s performance with two goals earned her the Player of the Match award.