Imo State FA Cup: Heartland Queens set for title defence against First Mahi Babes

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Imo Stake FA Cup holders Heartland Queens of Owerri will face non-league side, First Mahi Babes in the final of the women’s football of the 2023 Imo State Federation Cup on Tuesday.

The grand finale which will take place at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri will be the first competitive clash between both sides.

With the two teams already qualified for the national finals, the stake for Tuesday’s game is to determine the champions. The last time both sides met was in a non-competitive match in which the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership side won 10-1 over two legs.

The Owerri-based side in 2022 won the FA Cup with a victory over another non-league side, Imo Angels at the Old Township Stadium, Owerri.

It went on to reach the quarter-final of the national finals in 2022 which was the team’s best performance.

Tuesday’s final will also serve as preparation for Heartland Queens ahead of the resumption of the 2022/2023 NWFL Premiership season where it will face leaders, Delta Queens in Asaba on March 22.

In the men’s category, Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Heartland FC will trade tackle with Fr. Eburuaja FC in the final immediately after the women’s final which kicks off at 2pm,