2024 BOWFT: Nasarawa Amazons dethrone Edo Queens to set up date with Bayelsa Queens

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Edo Queens’ hopes of retaining the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament (BOWFT) title were dashed on Monday after a dramatic 5-4 defeat on penalties to fellow Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership side Nasarawa Amazons in the semi-finals.

The match, held in Benin City, concluded in a 2-2 draw after regulation time, leading to a tense penalty shootout. Nasarawa Amazons struck first, with Janet scoring just seconds into the match.

Edo Queens quickly responded, with Chioma Moses equalizing in the 15th minute. The hosts took the lead shortly after when Folashade Ijamilusi found the back of the net, but Janet leveled the score for Nasarawa with her second goal from the penalty spot, forcing the game into penalties.

In the shootout, Christopher Danjuma’s side ultimately triumphed, converting five penalties to Edo Queens’ four.

With this victory, the Solid Miners advance to the final, where they will face Bayelsa Queens, who secured their place with a solid 2-0 win over Heartland Queens in the second semi-final. Goals from Zainab Olapade and Mercy Omokwo propelled the Yenagoa-based side into the championship match.

Edo Queens will now prepare to face Heartland Queens in the third-place playoff, providing both teams with an opportunity to claim a podium finish before the tournament concludes.

The grand finale of the 2024 Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament is scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 2024, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Football fans can look forward to an exciting showdown as Bayelsa Queens and Nasarawa Amazons compete for the coveted title.