As anticipation builds for the decisive final matchday of the 2025 NWFL Super 6, which will see all fixtures kick off simultaneously on Saturday afternoon, Awijare News caught up with Coach Obi Ogbala, the Technical Adviser of Heartland Queens, in Ikenne.
Standing beside Pitch 2, where he was keenly awaiting the final-day clash between Remo Stars Ladies and Rivers Angels, Coach Ogbala offered reflections on his team’s journey, the current state of women’s football, and Heartland Queens’ ambitions for next season.
Read Also: Bayelsa Queens Crowned 2025 NWFL Champions: Abiola Iliviead Speaks from the Heart
High Praise for NWFL Super 6 and Ikenne Facilities
When asked about his impressions of this year’s Super 6 tournament, Coach Ogbala spoke passionately about the high standard of play and the world-class facilities at Remo Stars Stadium.
“Super 6 is one of the best things to happen to women’s football in Nigeria. It gives the league a strong finish and crowns a true champion of the regular season,” he noted.
“This year has been highly competitive. It’s the final matchday and still no confirmed champion yet. That tells you how far the women’s league has come. The growth is real.”
He also commended Honourable Kunle Soname, the proprietor of Remo Stars FC and Remo Stars Ladies, for the outstanding infrastructure.
Read Also: Bayelsa Queens Storm to Sixth NWFL Title After Crushing Naija Ratels in Final Super Six Showdown
“The facilities here are top-notch. If not for this kind of setup, it would be difficult to host such a competitive event. Last year in Bayelsa, we had to travel to Nembe to achieve simultaneous play of two matches, but today, we are having three matches inside a facility. Soname has done something remarkable for Nigeria football.”
Missing Out: Lessons from a Season of Near Misses
Heartland Queens, one of the surprise packages of the 2024 Super 6 in Yenagoa, were absent from this year’s tournament. For Coach Ogbala, it’s a painful but humbling experience.
“We gave our all this season. Unfortunately, our best wasn’t good enough to earn us a Super 6 slot. That’s football — sometimes it lifts you, sometimes it humbles you.”
Despite the setback, Ogbala remains focused on the positives and refuses to dwell on disappointment.
“Of course, we wanted to qualify back-to-back. But not making it this year only strengthens our resolve. Every team aspires to play in the Super 6, and that remains our goal.”
Planning Ahead: Eyes on 2026 Super 6 Return
Coach Ogbala believes in learning from setbacks. Already, he and his coaching staff have begun preparing for the next NWFL season.
Read Also: Favour Ofili Makes History: Shatters 150m World Record at Adidas Atlanta City Games
“I’m here watching, analyzing and seeing how it’s going. Even though I’ve been here before, I know what it takes. Our preparations for next season have already started. We’ve gone back to the drawing board and identified the little mistakes from this season.”
“We are determined to come back stronger. It’s a work in progress, but we’ll fix what needs fixing and fight to earn our place in next season’s Super 6.”
No Bold Predictions, Just Respect for the Game
When asked who he believes will take the 2025 NWFL title, Coach Ogbala was cautious — and respectful of the competitive landscape.
“There are four strong contenders — Nasarawa Amazons, Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, and Remo Stars Ladies. Any slip from one team gives the others a chance. Let’s see how the 90 minutes play out.”
With such calm analysis and sincere passion, it’s clear that Heartland Queens have a thoughtful, grounded leader at the helm. One thing is certain —they’ll be back.
