Mathias Ijeoma and Anam Imo were goalscorers against Osun Babes for the second time in three seasons as the Omoluabi Queens lost their first game of the Nigeria Women Premier League(NWPL) to the Amazons in Lafia.
A free-kick from Mathias Ijeoma in the 25th minutes of the game gave the host the lead after an infringement by Elijah Esther just at the end of the 18 yard box.
The Omoluabi Queens quickly got on to the ball after the goal and shook off from there. Kesiena Ojiyvwuo was the first culprit as she could not carve out a chance almost immediately after Ijeoma’s goal.
There was little to choose between the two sides in the last 10 minutes of the first half . Esther Elijah and Iloduba Sarah were both prominent in stifling the Amazon’s Attack and the home crowd were cheering on for the second goal of the game, which never came through that.
Anam Imo took advantage of a fair clearance aided by the wind as Osun Babes goalkeeper Christy Ohia tries to clear for safety. Imoh took the ball and slotted in perfectly for the second goal of the game which sparked joyous celebrations on the pitch.
The first half ended in a 2-0 lead for the home side.
The first attack of the second half came in the 54th minutes when Edewor Precious was fouled clumsily by Sarah Nnodim just about 23yards from the goal post. The resultant free kick looked to be primed for one of those Edewor’s curlers to the far post but she had spotted a gap and went low to the front stick.
On 62nd minutes Nassarawa Amazons worked the ball quickly out of a tight space and Ajani Kafayat sprang Emenike forward, only for Kemi Abiodun to chop her down for a freekick. Anam Imo and Mathias Josephine lined up behind the free-kick but it was the less-expected Ajani who struck it sweetly. The ball cannoned back off the bar.
Iloduba was caught suitably unawares by Amarachi Okonkwo in the 68th minutes and although the former Bayelsa Queens player got hands to the ball, she only paddled it down into the ground on its way in. Some exceptional defending by Iloduba dealt with danger early in the second half after Imo had found a way past Akpojotor.
Osun Babes sub Marcus Grace continued to test the Amazons centre-backs to the full, with Mariam Ibrahim looking the more likely to yield than Nnodim. While Anthony Esther and Atanda Seun also got so busy giving Joy Duru a lot of problem from the right flank with chances coming up and the visitors were not making good use of it to reduce the deficit.
Meanwhile, in the last few minutes of the game, Ejalonibu showed her better work at the end of the pitch when she intended drilling a dangerous pass for Anam Imo but it was sent out for a corner by Mamuzo Edaife.
The referee finally signalled the end of the game amidst wild jubilation from the home fans who were really satisfied with the scoreline.
While speaking to journalists after the game, the chief coach of Osun Babes FC, Liadi Bashiru praised his girls for playing strongly even under a very harsh weather and urged them to look forward to their next game at home to Pelican Stars of calabar next Wednesday.
” It was a good game, even with the harsh weather condition, they still stood their grounds and played strongly. We had some good chances and we didn’t make use of it. The artificial pitch is new and seem to be really hot and slippery. Its our first game of the season and we have to forget it and carry on to our next game”
Also Nasarawa Amazons coach Christopher Danjuma praised the Osun Babes players and said he was really impressed with the way they played.
” I must say women football is improving year by year and I am really impressed with my girls and our opponent today. I think Osun Babes played so well and they seem to be mentally strong. We go into our next game in Lokoja against Confluence Queens hoping for a win “
Osun Babes FC will now face Pelican Stars in a must win game on wednesday the 5th of April 2017 at the Osogbo Township Stadium, Osogbo.
