Ekiti and Lakeside Queens begin 2023 Nigeria Women's League Championship Atop

Ekiti and Lakeside Queens begin 2023 Nigeria Women's League Championship Atop 

By Gbenga Gboyega 

Ekiti Queens and Lakeside Queens started their respective Nigeria Women's Football League Championship campaigns at the top of Groups A and B respectively, following hard-fought victories on MatchDay 1, bsnsports.com.ng reports. 

It took just 14 minutes for Olaleye Odunayo to open the scoring for the Ekiti ladies at the Remo Stars Stadium, before Sarafa Tobiloba doubled the lead in the 23rd minute, as Moje Queens looked stunned early in the first half. 

Godwin Peace then came to the rescue few minutes above the half hour mark to reduce the deficit for Moje through a fine finish in the 36th minute, before bagging a brace within four minutes to restore parity going into the break. 

With 2-2 on the scorecard, Ekiti Queens maintained possession and form which later paid dividends in the 75th minute through a Chima Chisom-strike to fire Ekiti back in front, before bagging her own share of a brace when she made it 4-2 in favor of Ekiti two minutes later. 

Moje Queens never showed any signs of relenting as Ayobankole Mary pulled one back to keep Moje hopes alive four minutes into added on time, but it was too little too late, as Ekiti Queens triumphed to top Group A following a seven-goal thriller in Ikenne. 

It was also goals galore for the Group B table toppers - Lakeside Queens, following a five-goal thriller at Ikenne against Imo Striker Queens, with both teams producing braces of goals for a 3-2 scoreline in Sagamu. 

Harmony Achifula bagged her brace for Imo Striker Queens in the 45th and 75th minutes, after Dorothy Essien bagged hers in 26th and 84th minutes for Lakeside Queens, before Hannah Ibrahim won the tie in the 89th minute to cap the day. 

In other centers, Pelican Stars, Dannaz Ladies, and Sunshine Queens all triumphed in their respective games on MatchDay 1 in Ikenne and Sagamu centers.