Key Takeaways

• Edo Queens defeated Confluence Queens 5-1 in the NWFL Super Six opener.
• Emem Essien and Goodness Osigwe both scored two goals each.
• Coach Moses Aduku described the victory as revenge for last season’s defeat.
• Edo Queens will face Rivers Angels in their next fixture.
• The result strengthens Edo Queens’ position as title contenders.

Edo Queens Begin Super Six Campaign in Style

Edo Queens delivered one of the most commanding performances of the opening day of the NWFL Super Six, overpowering Confluence Queens 5-1 at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

The emphatic victory immediately strengthened Edo Queens’ status as early contenders for the 2023/24 Nigeria Women Football League title, with the Benin-based side showing sharp attacking football and relentless pressure throughout the encounter.

Emem Essien Leads Rout

Forward Emem Essien set the tone for the afternoon when she fired Edo Queens ahead in the 13th minute. However, Confluence Queens briefly fought back after Merit Offor drew level in the 22nd minute.

The equaliser lasted only moments.

Edo Queens quickly restored their advantage through Goodness Osigwe, whose clinical finish in the 24th minute shifted momentum firmly back in favour of the Benin side.

Essien later grabbed her second goal of the match with a composed finish that exposed major defensive weaknesses in the Confluence Queens backline. Before halftime, Moses Esther added another strike to leave the Lokoja club trailing 4-1 at the break.

Goodness Osigwe Extends Dominance

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Edo Queens controlling possession and dictating the pace of the game.

Osigwe completed her brace in the 62nd minute, sealing a five-star display from the Edo side and effectively ending any hopes of a comeback for Confluence Queens.

Supporters inside the stadium applauded Edo Queens for their fluid movement, attacking coordination and disciplined structure. Many fans singled out Osigwe as one of the standout performers of the contest.

The result also underlined the tactical influence of coach Moses Aduku, who rotated his squad in the latter stages to give several substitutes playing time while preserving the team’s intensity.

Coach Moses Aduku Calls Victory “Sweet Revenge”

Speaking after the match, Aduku described the win as personal redemption following Edo Queens’ disappointing experience against Confluence Queens during the previous Super Six competition in Asaba.

According to the coach, the players executed the game plan effectively and took advantage of their scoring opportunities.

“It is a payback for us,” Aduku said after the game. “We are here for serious business and we want to take it one match at a time.”

He also praised Confluence Queens for remaining competitive despite the heavy scoreline, insisting the Lokoja side created chances but failed to convert them.

The coach added that Edo Queens arrived in Bayelsa with a clear objective — to win the title and reward the support received from the Edo State government and fans back home.

Edo Queens Send Early Warning to Rivals

The convincing margin of victory has already placed Edo Queens among the teams to watch in the competition.

Their attacking efficiency, physical intensity and confidence in transition could prove decisive as the Super Six progresses. The side will now turn attention to a crucial fixture against Rivers Angels in their next match.

For many observers, the opening performance was not only about the three points but also a statement of intent from a club eager to reclaim national dominance in women’s football.