Behind the Scenes of Ekiti Queens' Thrilling NWFL Opener against Heartland Queens

By Olamide Awoyinfa 

Photo Credit: Iramoney ShotIt

Ekiti Queens kicked off the 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) season in style, defeating Heartland Queens 1-0 at the packed Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti.

The game-changer came in the 74th minute when substitute Olaleye Odunayo, barely four minutes on the pitch, found the back of the net, breaking the deadlock with a strike that epitomized Ekiti Queens' dominance. Despite numerous near-misses, with a ball clashing against the woodwork and the Heartland goalkeeper making heroic saves, Odunayo's goal was the deserved reward for their persistence.

Looking beyond the obvious, I picked up on some fascinating aspects of the game that might not have registered with everyone.

Behind the Scenes

The match was not just about what was visible to the fans. Behind the tactical boards and on the sidelines, Coach Jacob Vandi was a spectacle in his own right, reminiscent of an Antonio Conte with his animated presence. Standing throughout the match, his interactions with his assistants were a dance of strategy; every misplaced pass or missed chance saw him diving deep into discussions, clearly craving more from his team. His strategic substitutions were timed to perfection, and his visible frustration with the slow warm-up of a substitute was a testament to his demand for readiness. 

On the Pitch:

Rejoice Ikoyo, jersey No 15, was a standout, her calmness personified as she controlled the ball with an elegance that belied any pressure. There was a moment where she initiated a possession game, weaving the ball through her teammates, leaving Heartland players dizzy and the crowd roaring in approval.

Tobi Sarafa, jersey number 7, the youngest in the squad, took to the field with youthful vigor, eager to prove her worth in her first league start. Her energy was palpable, though her inexperience occasionally shone through, something Coach Vandi was quick to address, showing his high expectations for her development.

The Emotional Pulse

The stands were alive with support, but none more so than the Technical Advisor to the Governor on Sport, whose every glance was laden with anticipation. When the goal finally came, her celebration was the most exuberant, a pure expression of joy and relief, her heart clearly in the game.

The game drew a packed crowd, with luminaries like Hon. Niyi Adebayo, Chief of Staff to the Ekiti State Governor, member of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Odebunmi Idowu, Their presence underscored the match's importance, not just as a game, but as a cultural event for the community. 

Ekiti Queens' victory sets a promising tone for the season, as they now prepare to travel to face Remo Stars Ladies. With the league kicking off on January 15, 2025, and other giants like Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, and Bayelsa Queens also in action, it’s a clear path for a thrilling NWFL campaign.