Heartland Queens will be on a mission for redemption as they take on former champions, Nasarawa Amazons, in a crucial NWFL Premiership Matchday 6 encounter at the Lafia City Stadium on Wednesday.
This will be the third meeting between the two sides, with their previous encounters producing mixed results.
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Last season, both teams secured home victories, while their clash at the 2024 NWFL Super Six playoffs in Yenagoa ended in a goalless draw.
Interestingly, fate kept them apart during the 2024 Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament (BOWFT) and the Sheroes Cup in Abuja.
However, heading into this encounter, Nasarawa Amazons hold the advantage, sitting fourth on the eight-team log with nine points, while Heartland Queens struggle in seventh place with just two points.
The Owerri-based side recently endured a frustrating goalless draw against Dannaz Ladies, whereas the Lafia Amazons were humbled 2-0 by reigning champions Edo Queens.
For Heartland’s head coach, Obi Ogbala—who once had a successful stint at Nasarawa Amazons—the pressure is immense.
Winless in five matches, he understands that another poor result is inexcusable and must rally his team for either a victory or, at the very least, a draw.
Ogbala has a tough task in selecting his squad, with decisions to be made in all departments. He may opt for youth over experience in goal, with Amarachi Atulayo potentially getting the nod over former Nasarawa shot-stopper Uchenna Chukwu.
Defensively, stalwarts like Oluomachi Onwere, Chisom Henry, Prisca Nwachukwu, and Nnenna Williams are expected to hold their places.
Midfield duties will likely be handled by Oluchi Okwara, Samson Faith, and rising star Endurance Omoraka.
In attack, captain and ex-Nasarawa player Chimebere Opara will lead the charge alongside Emmanuella James, Onyinyechi Kalu, and two-goal heroine Monica Matthew.
A positive result in Lafia could be the spark Heartland Queens need to reignite their season and push back into contention for silverware.
