By Emex Henshaw
Heartland Queens of Owerri suffered their second straight loss in the Super Six in Yenagoa when they lost 3-1 to Edo Queens in an entertaining encounter.
Coach Obi made four changes to the lineup after their 2-0 defeat to Confluence Queens, with goalkeeper Chukwu Uchenna replaced by Atulayo Amarachi. Ayantosho Yetunde, Chinaka Chinedu, and Orgil Kelechi were all out of the starting lineup as Anaele Chidinma, Orji Chinwendu, and Williams Nnenna stepped in for them.
The changes, however, couldn’t improve the team’s performance as they succumbed to the loss courtesy of goals from Chioma Moses and Kafayat Mafisere. Emem Essien put Edo Queens three ahead before Emmanuel James got a consolation goal for the Imo-based team.
Speaking to NAIRASPORTS after the game, Coach Obi reflected on his team’s journey so far in the competition: “Well, actually we came into this competition to give our best and to make a mark, but football being what it is, I won’t take anything away from my girls. They have put in the best they could. It isu a contest; you have to either win, lose, or draw.”
“It is a learning curve. This is the first time we are in the Super Six, but it doesn’t mean that a first-timer cannot win the competition. We’re building on our performance. We just wait and see how we can finish well in the two games ahead,” he added.
When quizzed about his team’s profligacy in front of the goal after missing a couple of chances that would have gotten them level against Edo Queens, Coach Obi said: “One plus one is not two in football. We have our tactics, but we couldn’t use those opportunities to build on in this match. As I said, I won’t blame the girls because they put in effort after we got a goal back.”
Every notion of his team suffering from inexperience was thwarted by the coach, insisting: “Well, being in the Super Six, whether new or old, doesn’t take anything away from Heartland Queens. It is a contest; today might be your day or not. So, experience or no experience, my girls did wonderfully well to be here, and we have to appreciate the opposing team. Edo Queens are a very good side, and they came out on top.”
The experienced coach also explained the reasons for so many changes in the lineup: “I brought the team to Yenagoa to play. I have a good bench; the players on the bench are here to participate in the competition. I had to rejig the team after our match against Confluence Queens. I needed fresh legs, and seeing their performance, they tried their possible best.”
Heartland Queens are currently at the bottom of the Super Six table with a single point, having played three games. Heartland Queens will be looking for an improvement on the log as they face Bayelsa Queens and River Angels in the two remaining games of the Super Six.
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