Okafor's Double Seals Delta Queens Win

Delta Queens made a winning start in their bid to mount a title challenge in the Nigeria Women Premier League by coming from behind to beat Confluence Queens 2-1 at the Oleh Township Stadium.


Hardworking midfielder Hannah Akpulonu gave the Wada Queens a 25th-minute lead but an Uju Okafor header put Delta Queens level twelve minutes from time.

With two minutes to go Okafor scored the winner and also got a brace for herself.

Confluence Queens thought they were in front when Ikeh Ginika capitalised on lax defending from the hosts to put the ball in the net, but the assistant referee waved the flag for offside.

The opening goal came from Akpulonu five minutes before the half hour mark.

Her 25th-minute shot was well struck  and the away side were in control against the highly fancied hosts.

Delta Queens then imposed themselves in the game and were careful with their build up.

Team skipper Joy Jegede initiated play from the back and was accurate with her delivery especially from dead balls.

Ezewagu Marian missed a sitter as the homers searched for an equalizer.

In the 32nd minute, Patience Okaeme scored but her effort was ruled out for offside.

Late in the first half, Equatorial Guinea international Ruth Sunday pulled a world class save to deny Ajuyah Jennifer who thought she had scored.

It was a warning signal to the visitors as the first stanza ended 1-0.

After the break, Delta Queens were posing more threats and their equalizer was expected.

A cross was sent in a deep cross the danger area and Okafor headed home past Sunday.

The goal came at a point when Delta Queens fans were becoming restless at their side's attempt to threaten a solid Confluence Queens defence with a stream of high balls to Okafor.


The goal was a blow for a Confluence Queens side who must have been well pleased with their performance only to find themselves pegged back some minutes to the end of the game.

Confluence Queens starlet Aishat Bello almost handed her team the winner, but it took the bravery of Emeka Juliet to deny her.

Okafor then made sure of the points for the home side with her effort from long range.

There were three minutes of injury time but the home side held on for the win.

The Team Sheets

Delta Queens Starters: Emeka Juliet, Doro Patience, Okafor Uju, Ofoegbu Oluchi, Jegede Joy, Nwoko Maria, Ezewagu Maryan, Godwin Maureen, Ijeh Eluemunor, Okaeme Patience, Ajuyah Jennifer

Reserves: Onuegbu Iheoma, Isaac Favour, Kokorisha Vivian, Ikekhua Oghenebrume, Idegwu Blessing, Bukola Ogunnoiki, Tantoh Melvis

Confluence Queens Starters: Sunday Ruth, Nwogu Chinyere, Famuditi Kemi, Ihelewere Chinasa, Olarewaju Tobiloba, Emmanuel Tosin, Akpulonu Hannah, Olaitan Mary, Bello Aishat, Lola Philips, Ikeh Ginika

Reserves: Bello Oluwaseun, Aluko Mariam, Oladiti Bola, Damilola Koku, Mary Saiki, Augustine Mary