Calabar, September 1, 2024* — Pelican Stars narrowly defeated Imo Striker Queens 2-1 in a riveting encounter at the NWFL Championship, match day 2, Sports247 reports
The game, held at the UJ Esuene Stadium, showcased a blend of early dominance by the Pelican Stars and a late surge by the Imo Striker Queens.
Joy Okoronkwo set the pace for the Pelican Stars with an impressive goal just 4 minutes into the match. Her well-placed shot from outside the box caught the Imo defense off-guard, providing her team with an early lead. Not resting on their laurels, the Pelican Stars extended their advantage in the 8th minute.
Perpetual Ndikani, showcasing her striking prowess, capitalized on a defensive lapse to score the second goal, putting the Pelican Stars firmly in control.
Despite the early setback, the Imo Striker Queens mounted a determined comeback. Precious Oscar’s goal in the 78th minute injected a fresh wave of hope into the game.
Her precise strike from the edge of the penalty area reduced the deficit to 2-1, making for a tense final stretch. The Queens pushed hard for an equalizer, but the Pelican Stars’ defense, anchored by a series of crucial blocks and clearances, held firm until the final whistle.
Pelican Stars’ Coach Effiong Eno, praised his team’s resilience: “We came here with a game plan and executed it well in the first half. Credit to Imo Striker Queens for their fight-back. We had to stay focused and organized to secure the win.”
The result sees Pelican Stars moving up in the NWFL Championship standings, while Imo Striker Queens will regroup ahead of their next fixture, aiming to build on their second-half performance.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to refine their strategies and capitalize on the lessons learned from this encounter.
