Nasarawa Amazons began their Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL) Super Six campaign on a winning note, edging Edo Queens 1-0 in a tightly contested opener on Saturday morning at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
It was a match defined by fine margins, intensity, and a decisive second-half moment that ultimately separated both sides after a goalless first period filled with missed chances and strong defensive organisation.
First-Half Battles and Missed Chances Keep Game on Edge
Both teams started brightly, showing attacking intent from the first whistle. Nasarawa Amazons created the earliest clear opportunity when a well-placed header from a corner beat the Edo Queens goalkeeper, but she reacted sharply to pull off a crucial save that kept the game level.
Nasarawa continued to dictate attacking phases, repeatedly delivering dangerous balls into the Edo penalty area, while also limiting their opponents’ rhythm in the final third.
Edo Queens, however, had their own moment of frustration when Esther Moses appeared to have put them ahead with a clever lob over the goalkeeper, only for the goal to be ruled out for an infringement in the buildup.
Just before halftime, Edo nearly broke the deadlock from a corner, but their header drifted narrowly wide, sending both teams into the break locked at 0-0.
Adaobi Okah Delivers the Decisive Moment in Second Half
The second half began with renewed intensity from both sides, with Edo Queens almost striking immediately after the restart, only to find the side netting.
Edo gradually gained more control after the break, but their momentum was shattered just past the hour mark following a costly defensive lapse.
A loose ball inside the penalty area was not dealt with decisively, and as the Edo goalkeeper hesitated, Adaobi Okah pounced sharply to slot home against her former club and hand Nasarawa Amazons the breakthrough.
Despite throwing numbers forward in search of an equaliser, Edo Queens were repeatedly denied by a disciplined Nasarawa defence that stood firm under pressure.
Even with five additional minutes added, they could not find a way through, as Nasarawa held on for a crucial opening victory in the Super Six.