Delta Queens’ hockey club on Thursday in Abuja defeated IGP Babes 3-0 in a 2021 National Super League match.
Reports said that the Nigeria Hockey Federation organised annual tournament, which started on July 3 is expected to end on July 11.
The tournament is aimed at enhancing the development of the sport in the country and serve as an avenue to select the country’s representative to the African Cup for club Championships (ACCC) taking place in Malawi in Sept.
In Thursday’s game played on the astro-turf pitch of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, the Delta Queens took control of the game right from the blast of the whistle, making dangerous incursions into the opponents’ half.
The pressure paid off as they opened scoring in 25th minute through Beauty Irame from a brilliant open field goal.
The goal seemed to spark life into the IGP Babes as they looked for an equaliser but, however, found it difficult to penetrate the resolute defence of Delta Queens.
Faith Obukowho of Delta Queens increased the scoareline when she scored the second goal in the 44th minute of the game.
Beauty Irame scored to make it 3-0 just few seconds before the final whistle.
Speaking after the match, Coach of Delta Queen, Ade Jacobs, said it was a fine game, but described the level of officiating as not too pleasing.
“We have been away for about a year plus without a tournament but this is our first tournament for this year.
”It was as if we were playing with the umpires and the opposing team. We will be playing against Kada Queens on Friday.
“My girls didn’t play to my expectations; the girls have gained weight and also were fatigued, but we won, that is what matters most,” he stated.
In the other games played in the female category, Plateau Queens defeated Heartland 3-0 while Kada Queens beat Yobe Queens 2-0.
In the male category, Yobe Desert Rollers defeated Stallions of Lagos 2-0.
Reports said that on Friday, IGP Babes will face Heartland while
Yobe Queens will face Plateau Queens and Delta Queens meets Kada Queens in the female category.