Imo State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Honourable Emeka Okoronkwo has charged Heartland Queens to prosecute their remaining Nigeria Women Football League Premiership games with the same spirit they exhibited against Bayelsa Queens on Wednesday in Owerri.
An elated Okoronkwo who witnessed the goalless draw between Heartland Queens and the reigning NWFL Premiership champions, Bayelsa Queens at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri immediately directed that the games’ bonuses be paid.
He said the players displayed never say die spirit akin to Imo people from the game’s start to finish and should be commended for their action.
The Commissioner for Sports hailed the performance of the players and he called on them to approach the game with Rivers Angels in Port Harcourt in a fortnight with a winning mentality.
“It was a commendable performance from the girls. They faced Bayelsa Queens twice and didn’t suffer a defeat. It was a tough game but our girls gave it their best shot knowing that they needed a positive result despite all the odds,” Honourable Okoronkwo told our correspondent.
“The players were paid their match bonuses because they displayed the Imo spirits and didn’t allow the toga of playing against the league reigning champions to overawe them. They gave a good account of themselves. It was a good result despite playing a draw at home.
“The battle is not yet won. We still have two more games to play against Rivers Angels and Royal Queens before the season is over. You all have some days off to relax and recharge your batteries before facing Rivers Angels in Port Harcourt. You must go to Port Harcourt to surprise them.”
The Commissioner stressed that the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma is solidly behind them and that they must go for the last two games with everything in their armoury to ensure Heartland Queens remain in the women’s topflight beyond the end of the season.
Heartland Queens are fifth with nine points from 10 games. But are only two points adrift of bottom spot occupied by Osun Babes who have seven points from 10 games also. While they are only ahead of sixth placed Royal Queens who equally have nine points, by goals difference.
Heartland Queens are drawn bye next week before the game with Rivers Angels on April 12th in Port Harcourt.
