Non-smiling and under pressure Heartland Queens will further their dogged fight to stay afloat in the premium league when they bare fangs at reigning champions, Bayelsa Queens in Wednesday’s NWFL Premiership matchday 11 clash at the hallowed chambers of Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.
The Owerri landladies have foot dragged and showed somehow lukewarm clay foot in the immediate past three matches to Osun Babes, Naija Ratels and perennial nemesis, Delta Queens.
It was all square between the sides in the first fixture NWFL Premiership clash in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
However, the Owerri side are condemned to win this reverse matchup, at least, to shore up their not-too-comfortable position on the group’s log having practically bade farewell to the season’s dreams of playing in the premium league decider, NWFL Super 6.
Of course, the Prosperity Girls are not coming to Owerri for funfare or picnic but to ink an assured spot for themselves in the elite NWFL Super 6, at least, to prove to ‘Thomases’ that their victory in the last season as well as bronze finish in the continent was not a fluke.
The best result so far achieved by the Owerri mainstream side against the opposite from Yenagoa in all competitions was the ongoing league season first fixture dugout draw in the champions’ den, Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.
The job of the Owerri bench ably led by Obi Ogbala is therefore clearly cut out among other things to ring the necessary changes and present a no nonsense squad that will produce the cushioning result.
The side’s preferred goaltender, Uchechi Onyechere who witnessed all bench action at Delta Queens is almost certain to reclaim her starting shirt, midfield maestro and consolation scorer, Favour Dagogo will keep her shirt. Also sure to retain their shirts are strong women, Kelechi Orgii, Victoria Bassey and Onyedikachi Ekezie while the tormentor-in-chief and free scoring finisher, Lucky Mary, among other regulars will be well shirted for the operation ‘Bayelsa Queens must fall’ clash.
Heartland Queens are delicately placed fifth on the seven-team Group A log on eight points 12 adrift leaders, Delta Queens while the opponents, Bayelsa Queens are second on 15 points.
There will two more matches on the table for the Owerri side to wrap up their campaign, a short road trip to neighbours and multiple champions, Rivers Angels in Port Harcourt and Royal Queens in Owerri.
