Ekiti Queens goalkeeper Lucky Handy stole the spotlight, with a string of crucial saves that kept Dannaz Ladies from scoring in week three of the NWFL.
In a thrilling contest at Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti Queens emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Dannaz Ladies of Lagos, thanks to a first-half header from Captain Seun Fakunle and a second-half strike by Tobi Sarafa.
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After the match, Handy sat down for an exclusive interview, reflecting on the win, her performance, and what the future holds for Ekiti Queens.
Speaking on the victory “It feels amazing,” Lucky began, her face lighting up with a smile. “As a goalkeeper, my job is to protect the goal, and today, I gave it my all. We’ve been working hard, and it’s great to see that effort paying off. The team was fantastic, from the defense to the midfield, and the forwards. We all contributed to the win.”
The match had been intense from the start. Dannaz Ladies created some early pressure, and their attacking play nearly resulted in a goal on a few occasions. Lucky was called into action multiple times, with a key save in the 50th minute preventing a dangerous one-on-one opportunity for Dannaz’s striker.
About the key saves “Honestly, it was all about staying focused,” Lucky explained. “They had a couple of dangerous chances, especially in the first half, but I knew I had to be sharp. The one-on-one in the second half was a big moment. I just trusted my reflexes and stayed calm. Thankfully, everything worked out.”
Lucky’s heroics were complemented by her teammates’ determination. Captain Seun Fakunle’s header in the 35th minute put Ekiti Queens in the lead, while Tobi Sarafa doubled the advantage with a stunning strike in the 55th minute. But it was Lucky’s presence between the posts that kept Dannaz Ladies at bay, ensuring the clean sheet.
Reflecting on the team’s progress “This win is important for us because it shows how far we’ve come,” Lucky continued. “We’ve had some challenges in the past, especially with consistency, but today we showed what we’re capable of.
We’ve been working on our attacking play, and it’s nice to see that we’re starting to find our rhythm. Scoring goals is one thing, but keeping a clean sheet is just as important. I’m proud of the team.”
The victory, which marked Ekiti Queens’ second win in three matches, propelled them to third place on the NWFL Group A table. With six points and growing momentum, the team is beginning to show signs of becoming a serious contender.
Looking ahead, Lucky knows there’s no time to rest on their laurels. “We’ve got to keep pushing,” she said. “The next match against Nasarawa Amazons will be tough. They’re a strong side, and we’ll need to be at our best. But we’re confident. We’re building something special here, and we’re all focused on what’s next.”
Before ending the interview, Lucky took a moment to express her gratitude to the fans and the people of Ekiti.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to all our fans. Your support means everything to us. We feel the love every time we step onto the pitch, and it motivates us to keep going.
Also, I want to thank Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his consistent support for Ekiti sports. We’re doing this for you, and we’ll keep fighting for every point.”
As the final whistle blew, Ekiti Queens celebrated their well-earned victory, but their eyes were already set on the future.
With Lucky Handy’s stellar performance and a growing sense of unity within the team, Ekiti Queens are ready to take on whatever challenges come their way as the NWFL season heats up.
