Delta Football Club of Asaba secured a 3-1 victory over Confluence Queens of Lokoja as the NWFL Super Six Queens got underway in Asaba on Tuesday.
The match played in the main bowl of the Stephen Keshi Stadium witnessed a low turnout of spectators though, as both teams faced off in the opening game of Group B.
Delta Queens’ Effiong Ekpeyong registered the first goal of the game in the 13th minute when her volley inside the penalty box beat the Confluence Queens’ goalkeeper.
However, the goal seemed to be a tonic to spring to life for the Lokoja side and the Confluence Queens equalised in the 27th minute through striker Martha Peter.
She capitalised on a defensive error by the Delta Queens backline to restore parity.
The equaliser however did not dampen the spirit of the home fans, who cheered every move of their darling team, amidst drumming and singing.
The home side regained the lead in the 31st minute, when attacking midfielder Vera Samuel’s thunderous shot from outside the penalty box beat the Confluence Queens goalkeeper.
When both sides returned for the second half, Delta Queens dominated possession as they pushed for more goals, with swift counter-attack play and great ball distribution.
Two minutes into the five added minutes, Delta Queens extended their lead through Ekpeyong during a goalmouth scramble.
The home team held on till the final blast of the referee’s whistle to claim the maximum three points at stake and go top of Group B table.
Delta Queens’ coach, Tosan Blackson, later told reporters that the team was well prepared coming into their first game of the Super Six tourney.
“The game was a good one. We gave our best because we need the three points to consolidate our position.
“Although every team participating in this Super Six is no push-over because they all did well to qualify to be here, but I am optimistic that Delta Queens will win this trophy.
“We enjoyed great support from our home fans and we are determined to pay them back with the trophy,” Blackson said.
Also, the Technical Adviser of the Confluence Queens, Whyte Ogbonda, commended his players for their fighting spirit in spite of the loss.
“Although we lost today, I give kudos to the girls, because they gave a good account of themselves. This is football for you.
“On Wednesday when we will be playing our second match of the group against Edo Queens, there will be an improved performance from my team,” Ogbonda said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the first game of the day, Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt defeated FC Robo of Lagos 2-0 to lead Group A.
The six teams at the Super Six are Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens and FC Robo in Group A, while Delta Queens, Edo Queens and Confluence Queens are in Group B.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria