Anthony, Edewor Strike Gives Osun Babes Important Win

Anthony Esther and Precious Edewor both scored as Osun Babes FC recorded a 2-0 victory over their counterpart from Cross River state (Pelican Stars FC) in the week two encounter of the Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL).

Anthony Esther hammered her first league goal of the season late in the first half after receiving a long linear cross from Midfielder Kemi Abiodun who had earlier dribbled past two Pelican Stars players as the number two citizen of the State of Osun, Mrs Grace Titi Laoye Tomori watched with great excitement.

Former Omoluabi Queens forward Nkoro Chindinma started off well for the visitors as she received a long pass from captain Williams Hodo but was intercepted by Sarah Iloduba , who quickly cleared out for safety.

Osun Babes no doubt had a slow start to the game as they resorted to playing possession football, attempting to create chances from the back through the 4-2-3-1 formation put in place by Coach Liadi Bashiru .

 Edewor Precious was the first to threaten Ihiejika in goal for Pelican, as the former Delta Queens forward connects to an Akpojor's pass but couldn't make good use of it as the Pelican goalie does well to keep the danger at bay.

The Omoluabi Queens finally got a breakthrough in the 41st minute of the game when last season top scorer Anthony Esther headed past Ihiejika in goal from a long fling from Kemi Abiodun.

The pressure kept coming in from the visitors as they came close to scoring but squandered their chance, as Nkoro Chindinma skied her shot beyond christy Ohiaeriaku as the first half ended in advantage of the home team.

The second half resumed, with no new changes from both sides.

Pelican Stars pushed forward through Alex Faith searching for an early equaliser, however things quickly changed in Osun Babes favour, as Helen Ugah lost the ball to Akpojotor Rachael, who wrestled through to get the ball from her before lobbing the ball into Marcus Grace's path and the petit winger missed a glaring chance to make it 2-0 for the Omoluabi Queens.

The game continued with another quick attack from the visitors as Chisom Henry pulled another long pass to Chika Edeh who immediately dabbed the ball to Tawakalitu Mustapha who got intercepted again by Elijah Esther.

Osun Babes built up a wonderful counter-attack from the displacement, Akpojotor Rachael played a wonderful one-two with new entrant Ikoyo Rejoice on the flank, before the young winger drew a bunch of Pelican Stars defender in her direction and squared the ball to an open Edewor Precious.

The former Delta Queens forward attempted an audacious chip, which hit the hand of Alex Faith as referee Fatima Rabiu from Ogun State blew her whistle for a well deserved penalty.

Edewor stepped up to the spot and neatly slotted in the second goal of the game and her first for the new NWPL season.

With the game now at 2-0 in favour of the home team, Anthony Esther and Marcus grace combined in spectacular fashion as the diminutive forward crossed a delightful delivery into the path of a rushing Edewor Precious who lost another glorious chance to make it a brace for herself.

The game finally ended 2-0 in favour of Osun Babes and they will now face Confluence Queens in the week 3 encounter of the Nigeria Women Premier League next wednesday at the Lokoja Township Stadium.