Heartland Queens Head Coach Obi Ogbala has exclusively told Completesports.com that his immediate priority is to replicate his 2020 NWFL title triumph with Nasarawa Amazons.
Ogbala took charge of Heartland Queens in 2021 and guided the side to promotion to the Nigeria Women Premier Football League (NWFL).
Now competing in Group A of the NWFL, Heartland Queens sit fourth in the standings. They will host Bayelsa Queens on 18 February in a rescheduled fixture, following the involvement of five Bayelsa Queens players in the Super Falconets’ Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.
Ogbala Reflects On Heartland Queens Promotion Achievement
“I’ve been here for a couple of seasons now and I can say I’m happy because every new assignment comes with its own challenges,” Coach Ogbala began when Completesports.com contacted him on Thursday evening.
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“Looking back, I can say that I helped Heartland Queens gain promotion to the Nigeria Women’s Football League, but I think my immediate assignment is to replicate my performance at Nasarawa Amazons,” Ogbala said.
Ogbala was in charge when Nasarawa Amazons clinched the NWFL title in 2020.
Super Six Qualification The Immediate Target For Heartland Queens
“That’s my dream and, for now, we’re working hard to qualify for the NWFL Super Six play-offs, from where we can push for the ultimate title,” Ogbala stated.
Heartland Queens are currently fourth in Group A with nine points. They will welcome Bayelsa Queens in the rescheduled encounter on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
The tactician disclosed that he is confident of securing a positive result in the crucial fixture.
“We’re fourth on the table. We want to keep pushing to see if we can make the play-off mark, which is to finish among the top three in our group.
“We’re working hard towards that target. We just finished training this evening and we’re looking forward to the match against Bayelsa Queens on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, here in Owerri.
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“If we can achieve that, then we would have taken one big step towards our dream because, from the Super Six, anything can happen,” the Heartland Queens boss said.
Support From Imo State Government Boosting The Team
Ogbala revealed that he has enjoyed a friendly and welcoming atmosphere since his arrival in Owerri, stressing that such an environment played a major role in the club’s qualification for the NWFL.
He also heaped praise on the Executive Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, for his consistent support of the team.
“His Excellency always pays prompt attention to our needs and we can only reciprocate that huge support with success,” Coach Ogbala concluded.
By Sab Osuji
