Delta Queens finally reclaimed the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership title after a 2-1 win over 2021/2022 champions, Bayelsa Queens on Sunday.
The wife of the new Delta State Governor, Tobore Oborevwori observed the ceremonial pre-match kick-off at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
READ ALSO: NWFL Super 6: Delta Queens Set For Final With Bayelsa Queens
The epic triumph did not come easy for the hosts of 2022/2023 NWFL Premiership Super Six as they had to come from behind with two goals from super substitute Chinaza Agoh in the second half.
The Cup holders, 2022 WAFU-B and CAF Women’s Champions League bronze winner started the cagey game on a bright note and had a free kick in the 13th minute at the edge of the box.
Zainab Olapade’s free kick in the 14th minute hit the woodwork before Chisom Henry, unfortunately, put the ball into her net.
With its 15-match unbeaten run on the line, Tosan Blankson’s side surged forward for the equaliser and had a chance in the 45th minute to even the scoreline after Bayelsa Queens’ captain, Uzoamaka Igwe brought down Mercy Omokwo inside the box.
Fehintola Mabokanje missed the resulting spot kick and the Prosperity Girls went into the dugout with a 1-0 lead.
Determined to avoid its first loss of the campaign, coach Blankson introduced Chinaza Agoh and Inyang Esther in place of Olabiyi Folajomi Alaba and Sandra Johnosi in the 65th minute.
Delta Queens are newest NWFL Premiership champions
The changes paid off as Agoh notched the equalized for Delta two minutes after her introduction with a brilliant acrobatic style goal.
The goal conceded was the first by Bayelsa in this year’s Super Six after a 1-0 win over Robo Queens and Rivers Angels respectively.
Four minutes from regulation time, Agoh scored the stunning winner for the Asaba-based side as Delta held on to claim its sixth league title and its first since 2012.
With the title success, Delta Queens will represent Nigeria at the 2023 WAFU-B Zonal Qualifiers, where they will bid to qualify for the Cote d’Ivoire 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League later this year.
On the other hand, Bayelsa will now shift focus on the 2023 Federation Cup final as they hope to defend their crown after failing to retain the league diadem.
WHAT THEY SAID
Bayelsa Queens Technical Adviser, Domo Okara: “We came up with a plan to win the match but we lost. We cannot win every game. I wish the winners the best of luck. We lost some attackers. Some of them have traveled to Europe. The only area where we had challenges was in attack. “We would go and prepare and bounce back next season. I wish Delta Queens the best of luck.”
Delta Queens coach, Tosan Blankson: “I want to thank the players first. We know that God is always there for everybody but I want o thank the players first for the intense pressure in the game. We have been preparing for the Super Six even before the end of the regular season. We knew we are playing the Super Six. These girls are all national team materials. I am short of words but I give God all the glory for the victory. Don’t be surprised at what you have seen in the regular season and Super Six is the same thing you would see during continental matches. Football is all about planning. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. We knew the first half is going to be tough for us so we have to keep Chinaza outside. When she came in, she was fresh and gave us the desired goals.”
