Kogi State Confluence Queens FC started the 2023/2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) season on a fair note after settling for a 0-0 draw against Dannaz FC Ladies on match day one.
The match was played at the Edo State University Stadium, Iyamho, Edo State.
Playing their first home match away from home on an adopted ground, due to the bad condition of Lokoja Confluence Stadium, Confluence Queens endured psychological distractions, dominated virtually every department, and created a couple of chances to the delight of the fans.
After testing the Lagos girls for over 10 minutes, Nana Yusuf failed to convert a glorious chance from Merit Offor’s lovely inswinger.
Confluence Queens FC almost paid for not making that chance count when Dannaz FC Ladies broke on a counter, but somehow, the Lokoja landladies survived.
Just before the break, Coach Sabo Okala’s Confluence Queen-tutored side came close again to grab the opener, but again, Nana’s height failed her as she couldn’t head the ball home.
At the other end, Dannaz FC Ladies found themselves in a promising situation to break the deadlock, but the defensive line of the girls in blue did well to neutralise them.
Merit Offor will look back and ask some questions after missing a close-range opportunity to put her side in front.
After some pep talks from both technical crews, action resumed for the second half, with the few travelling contingents and fans cheering their respective teams.
Confluence Queens FC continued from where they left off in the first half, mounting more pressure on the girls in white over blue shorts.
Numerous chances kept begging for either side, but putting the ball at the back of the net remained a big puzzle.
Mamudu, Amarachi kept pestering the defense of their visitors, but again, no way through.
Their persistent pressure, however, produced a golden moment when the centre referee penalised Dannaz FC for a rough challenge in the box.
A penalty was given in favour of the Confluence State Queens. Amarachi Okoronkwo was trusted to take it; unfortunately, she took it and missed to the disappointment of the fans.
Series of chances came the way of both teams as they tried every trick to outclass each other, but the goal refused to come.
After the game, Confluence Queens FC Coach, Sabo Okala, who is leading the team for the first time in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), expressed disappointment as he bemoaned the chances wasted by his team. However, he promised to keep working hard and bring the best out of the girls.
Dannaz FC Ladies Head Coach, Diana Asak Johnson, was pleased with a point on the road and promised to consolidate on it in their subsequent outing.
Confluence Queens FC will be on the road to Adamawa next Wednesday, November 22, 2023, to take on Adamawa Queens Football Club.
