Naija Ratels coach blames fatigue after draw with Heartland Queens

Naija Ratels coach, Sabo Okala, blamed fatigue for the 2-2 draw against Heartland Queens at the 2025/2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) season.

The Match Day four games played at the Bwari Township Stadium on Wednesday saw the host in two goal lead but squandered the opportunity of a first win at the NWFL.

Naija Ratels’ bright start was undone by a spirited second-half comeback from Heartland Queens.

The host looked in full control early on, racing into a two-goal lead inside 22 minutes.

Onu Markwell broke the deadlock in the 13th minute before Paulina Orshio doubled the advantage, sending the home fans into celebration and putting Ratels on course for a comfortable victory.

However, the game turned after the break, as Heartland Queens emerged with renewed belief and intensity, and their pressure eventually paid off.

Emmanuella James pulled one back in the 71st minute, before Faith Samson completed the comeback eight minutes later to earn the visitors a hard-fought point.

After the game, Okala admitted disappointment but pointed to fatigue and squad limitations as decisive factors.

He said “it’s unfortunate we couldn’t see out the game. You could clearly see fatigue setting in, and the truth is I don’t have a full squad to rotate.

“We are managing with about 15 players, and some are even playing through injuries. I’m not trying to make excuses, but it’s obvious.

“I didn’t get the full complement of players I hoped for. Some signings couldn’t happen due to factors beyond football, and it has affected our depth.

“These are young girls we are building into a new team. Inexperience will show at times, but I’m confident they will grow.”

In spite of the drop in points, the Ratels boss urged supporters to remain patient as they garnered two points from four games.

NWFL Match Day 4 Premiership Results

Naija Ratels 2–2 Heartland Queens

Onu Markwell (13’), Paulina Orshio (22’) — Emmanuella James (71’), Faith Samson (79’)

Delta Queens 3–1 Confluence Queens

Dannaz Ladies 1–5 Robo Queens

Dannaz: Augusta Chukwuma (26’)

Robo: Kemi Adegbuyi (6’), Tosin Rafiu (9’), Opeyemi Ajakaiye (35’, 65’), Rodiat Yusuf (85’)

Edo Queens 2–0 Adamawa Queens

Chioma Moses (45’ pen), Atume Doosur (75’)

Rivers Angels 1–0 Ibom Angels

Ramotalahi Kareem (55’)

Bayelsa Queens 2–0 Pacesetters Queens

Blessing Ilivieda (17’ pen), Aminat Folorunsho (44’)

Nasarawa Amazons 0–0 Abia Angels

Ahudiyannem Queens 0–0 Sunshine Queens