Heartland Queens humble Delta Babes, qualify for quarterfinals

Heartland Queens of Owerri, yesterday, defeated Delta Babes of Asaba 2-0 to qualify for the quarterfinals of the ongoing Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) in Benin City, Edo State.

Playing their second game of the competition at the Western Boys High School, Benin City, playground, the Owerri ladies scored two first half goals on a largely waterlogged and unplayable pitch through petite attacker, Emmanuella James.

The Owerri side, who defeated Fortress Ladies of Benin 3-0 in their opening game, will play their last group match tomorrow against Beninois side, Aigle Royal d’ Adjara at the Western Boys High School.

Heartland Queens are now waiting for the conclusion of games in Group C featuring Nasarawa Amazons, Confluence Queens and Abia Angels to know their quarterfinals opponents, who are the runners up in the group. 
 
The tournament kicked off on Monday after an exciting opening ceremony with a pulsating encounter between defending champions, Edo Babes and FC Robo of Lagos at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. The game ended in a goalless draw.

The tournament was officially declared open by the First Lady of Edo State, Dr Betsy Obaseki, who made a symbolic walk to the centre of the pitch with the tournament trophy, marking the commencement of this year’s edition.

The winners of the competition will earn N10 million, the first runner-up will receive N7 million, the second runner-up will get N5 million, while the third runner-up will take home N3 million.
 
All the participating teams will also receive N750,000 The opening ceremony was a colorful spectacle, featuring a calisthenics display and stirring performances of the tournament’s theme song, the Edo State Anthem, the Nigerian National Anthem,