Heartland Queens will confront the Beninois Championnat National Feminine champions, Espoir FC de Cotonou in the quarterfinals of the ongoing 2024 Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) in the ancient city of Benin, Edo state.
The historic clash, first ever in all competitions between the topflights, comes up on Saturday, October 12 at the mainbowl of Western Boys High School in Benin City by 12 noon.
Prior to the looming epic quarterfinals clash, the Owerri mainstreams finished top of her group with hundred percent flawless performances against NWFL Championship duo, Fortress Ladies and Delta Babes as well as the Beninois Championnat National Feminine, Aigle Royal d’Adjara while the Cotonou-based side managed a slim win against NWFL Premiership side, Naija Ratels, a draw against NWFL Championship side, Brave Hearts Ladies before going down heavily to group’s winners and former Nigerian champions Bayelsa Queens to finish as runners up of the group.
The Owerri side who are pioneer and all-time players of the yearly preseason in its fourth year have not hidden her intentions to challenge for the podium dance this time around and are certainly going to keep drawing further inspirations from its winning aura to unsettle and undo the challengers from the neighbouring West Africa state, Benin Republic.
The side’s newest goal sensation and whiz kid, Emmanuella James, on three goals at the conclusion of the group’s hostilities, would surely be thrown into the fray by the technical adviser of the side, Obi Ogbala to hunt for more personal glory and goals that will secure a semifinals footings for his side.
Other quarters on matchday are hosts state team, Edo Queens versus Abia Angels at the University of Benin Sports Centre, Nasarawa Amazons versus Remo Stars Ladies while Bayelsa Queens take on Fortress Ladies at the turf of Western Boys High School.
