In a closely contested battle of skill and determination at the ongoing 6th edition of the Sheroes Pre-season Cup held at the Aguiyi Ironsi Barracks in Abuja, Naija Ratels managed to secure a narrow 2-1 victory over Sunshine Queens FC.
This pre-season clash, featuring two prominent teams from the Nigeria Women’s Football League, began with both sides showcasing football artistry worthy of elite league teams.
The host team struck first, netting goals in the 21st and 82nd minutes of the encounter. However, Sunshine Queens’ striker, Eunice Ezeani, managed to reduce the deficit in the 86th minute.
Despite their spirited efforts to level the score, the Naija Ratels’ defense held firm and resisted any further challenges from Sunshine Queens.
Sunshine Queens’ head coach, Oladimeji Abimbola, was effusive in his praise for his players, emphasizing that the competition’s purpose extended beyond merely winning. He stated, “Our target coming here was to use the pre-season to build a strong team that will be able to compete with any team in the league.”
Other News: Subsidy Removal: It Should’ve Been Done Over 10 Years Ago – Governor Otti
He continued, “We are here to test our players’ ability and see how we can blend them. With this competition, we have been able to learn more about our team and identify areas that need improvement. We still have four more matches to play and more room for corrections before the league starts in November.”
This pre-season encounter not only serves as a platform for sharpening skills but also as an opportunity for teams to assess both existing and new talents, ensuring they are well-prepared for the upcoming league challenges.