The Nigeria Women Football League began on a dramatic note for Dannaz Ladies as they battled to a thrilling 3–2 victory over Osun Babes in Lagos. What looked set to end in a draw turned into a memorable late win, thanks to a last-minute surge that lifted the stadium and set the tone for the new season.
Head coach Fatai Bashiru could hardly hide his excitement after the final whistle. For him, the victory was more than three points. It was a powerful statement of resilience, belief and readiness for the battles ahead.
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“It was not an easy game at all,” Bashiru told Awijare News. “We played Osun Babes during preseason and won one nil. We knew they were coming on strong this time. They are coached by a national team coach, so the intensity was always going to be high. I am overexcited that we were able to withstand the pressure and win.”
It was a match that swung back and forth. Osun Babes struck first, Dannaz Ladies equalised, took the lead, and conceded again before finally clinching a late winner. For Bashiru, the fluctuating scoreline highlighted both areas of strength and lessons to learn.
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“Sometimes it is about the mindset and the players’ ability to manage the moment,” he explained. “Once they cross the white line, they must take responsibility for the game. We can only encourage them, keep their heads up and remind them to keep pushing. They responded well and played their hearts out.”
One of the biggest talking points of the evening was the return of Captain Solaty Fatimoh, who missed the entire previous season through injury. Her comeback could not have been scripted better. She scored the team’s first goal of the new season, lifted morale when the team trailed and showed the leadership the squad had missed.
“Solaty is an exceptional player,” Bashiru said with admiration. “Being out for a whole season is not easy, but she is committed and disciplined. She showed leadership on and off the pitch. Yes, she missed some chances, but that is football. Positive moments and negative moments happen. The most important thing is that she helped us get back into the game.”
Looking ahead, the coach knows the celebrations cannot last long. Dannaz Ladies remain at home for their next fixture, a challenging encounter against Nasarawa Amazons, one of the most consistent and physical teams in the league.
“It is another tough match,” Bashiru said. “We will return to training, make corrections and prepare properly. Our aim is to win again next week.”
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With one win already secured, Dannaz Ladies have shown that they have the quality, spirit and leadership to compete strongly this season. Their journey is only beginning, but their opening day performance has already earned attention across the NWFL.
