Kwara United Queens began their NWFL Nationwide campaign with a goalless draw against Spunky Blazers at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba, today Tuesday August 18, 2026.
The encounter was characterised by grit, passion and determination as the courageous Queens dominated proceedings for large periods but were unable to find the back of the net.
Kwara United Queens started brightly, creating their first clear opportunity in the 15th minute, but the Spunky Blazers goalkeeper stood firm to deny them.
The courageous Queens continued to pile pressure on their opponents, with Hadiza Halimat forcing another save from the goalkeeper.
In the 30th minute, Eugene Newarang came close to breaking the deadlock, but her effort was denied by a timely goal-line clearance.
Tosin Ogunjobi also came close in the 45th minute when she missed a glancing header from a resulting corner as both sides went into the break level.
Kwara United Queens resumed the second half with renewed intensity as they continued their search for the opening goal.
However, Spunky Blazers gradually grew into the game, and their first major attack after the restart almost resulted in a goal. Goalkeeper Benita Obodo came to the rescue with two excellent saves in the 48th and 55th minutes.
Coach Abdullahi Abdulganiyu then introduced Daud Aishat, Nnorom Amarachi and Monday Mercy for Soliu Abike, Eugene Newarang and Tosin Ogunjobi in a bid to change the tempo of the encounter.
The substitutions brought fresh energy to the courageous Queens, who regained control and kept the Edo-based side under pressure in their own half.
Spunky Blazers, however, refused to surrender and pushed for a late winner, but Obodo remained outstanding, producing further impressive saves in the 68th and 78th minutes.
Hadiza Halimat came close to securing all three points for Kwara United Queens in the 89th minute, but her effort went inches wide.
It almost turned into heartbreak for the courageous Queens in the 90th minute when Spunky Blazers came close to scoring, but Obodo produced another incredible save to preserve the clean sheet as the encounter ended 0-0.
Speaking after the match, Kwara United Queens Head Coach, Abdullahi Abdulganiyu, praised his players for their performance, saying they played fantastically well and followed instructions.
He also acknowledged the outstanding performance of the Spunky Blazers goalkeeper, whom he described as the saviour of her team.
Coach Abdullahi expressed confidence that his side would respond strongly in their next encounter against Solo Wonders Babes, stressing that victory would guarantee the Courageous Queens’ progression to the next round.
Kwara United Queens will face Solo Wonders Babes on Wednesday at 9:00 am in a decisive group encounter.
