Naija Ratels stake claim to NWFL Premiership Super Six after win at Heartland Queens

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Naija Ratels FC boosted their Super Six qualification dream with Thursday’s 2-0 win over Heartland Queens in Owerri.

Heartland Queens had lost its previous match 2-0 to Osun Babes in Osogbo and started the game with Onyechere Uchechi, Abani Osinachi, Orgii Kelechi, Bassey Victoria, Ofoegbu Oluchi, Ekezie Onyedikachi, Onwere Oluomachi, Kalu Onyinyechi, Orji Chinwendu, Lucky Mary, and Enamino Joy.

On the other hand, Bankole Olowookere’s side played out a 1-1 draw with Bayelsa Queens last time out. The Abuja base side lined up Omilana Faith, Ali Paulina, Adeshina Tumininu, Emmanuel Blessing, Oladeji Oluwabunmi, Onyinlola Olamide, Orshio Paulina, Bello Aminat, Ezekiel Motunrayo, Bankole Sofiat, and Folorunsho Aminat.

Following first leg fixture ending 3-1 in favour of Naija Ratels in Abuja last November, the visitors, this time, only needed 30 minutes hit the ground running when they took the lead courtesy of Aminat Folorunsho’s strike.

Despite a slim first half advantage, Ratels broke the resilence of the hosts again when Oyinlola Olamide doubled the lead for Olowookere’s side in the 75th minute to guarantee the massive away triumph.

The win moved Naija Ratels to the third position in Group A with 10 points after seven games, five behind Bayelsa Queens and seven short of the leaders, Delta Queens.

The result also means Ratels have now leapfrogged Rivers Angels, who dropped to the fourth position on inferior goal difference following a 2-1 home loss to Bayelsa while Heartland Queens are fifth with eight points.