Monday 6 July 2015

Impressive Osun Babes Held By Confluence Queens

Confluence Queens and Osun Babes battled to a 1-1 draw in an entertaining Nigeria Women Premier League match at the Lokoja Confluence Stadium on Saturday evening.

The result means that the Wada Queens have 4 points from 4 matches, while the Omoluabi Babes have 8 points and are in the third position.

The homers were without their first choice goalkeeper Ruth Sunday and skipper Tobi Olarenwaju, both are on international duty with Equatorial Guinea, while the visiting team missed no-nonsense Falconets defender Esther Elijah as well.

Confluence Queens had the upper hand during the first ten minutes of the game, while Osun Babes countered with intent.

The Wada Queens had control in central midfield with Oladiti Bola and Augustine Mary combining well.

There was a chance for Osun Babes and it turned out to be the opener in the 13th minute.

A low cross to the box by skillful starlet Ikoyo Rejoice caused confusion in the defence line of Confluence Queens and Edewor Precious poked home her 4th goal of the season from close range.

Confluence Queens got a penalty in the 21st minute when Lola Philips was adjudged to have been brought down by Rachael Akpojotor. Mariam Aluko finished from the spot, scoring her first goal of the season.

A few minutes later, the energetic Ikoyo got a great opportunity to extend the Omoluabi Babes' lead, but her effort was ruled out by the match referee after she committed what looked like a foul.

Confluence Queens fought hard to get another goal, even getting some chances to score.

Osun Babes were especially strong from set-pieces, above all when Akpojotor moved forward to create problems thanks to her tremendous aerial power.

However, it was Ikeh Ginika who seemed set to score Confluence Queens' second goal, but the former FC Robo forward saw her strike hit the woodwork.

Philips looked set to break the resilient Osun Babes team, but a great save by Delta-born goalkeeper Rita Akarekor ensured that the powerfully hit shot didn’t fly into the net.

Just thereafter, Chioma Wogu got a great chance to score but the Nigerian international saw her bullet palmed to safety by the confident Akarekor.

Substitute Aghogho Williams delivered a brilliant effort which was well read by Confluence Queens goalkeeper Oluwaseun Bello. The goal minder also denied Edewor with a one-handed save.

Confluence Queens continued to struggle to create any real continued pressure on the Osun Babes defence, often because their passing was a bit sloppy at times.

Coach Adamu Suleiman tried to change the game by bringing on creative midfielder Olaitan Mary for Augustine Mary. The switch couldn't yield the needed result.

In the end, none of the teams managed to score the winner in an attractive match to watch from a spectator point of view. Confluence Queens had the better first half, but Osun Babes were the more convincing team in the second half and the draw was therefore probably a fair result.

Confluence Queens Starters: Bello Oluwaseun, Okoro Rosemary, Nwogu Chinyere, Tosin Emmanuel, Chinasa Ihelewere, Bola Oladiti, Mary Augustine, Ikeh Ginika, Aluko Mariam, Lola Philips and Chioma Wogu

Reserves: Nimota Ajayi, Hannah Akpolonu, Esther Michael, Mary Olaitan, Aishat Bello, Carine Yoh, Koku Damilola

Osun Babes Starters: Rita Akarekor, Ogunniyi Shade, Abdusalam Rukayat, Akpojotor Rachael, Ajibade Agnes, Iloduba Sarah, Adeleke Ganiyat, Afangideh Blessing, Edewor Precious, Adegboyega Opeyemi, Ikoyo Rejoice

Reserves: Emaowodia Esther, Anthony Esther, Aghogho Williams, Agbaji Habibat, Oyewande Banke





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