The final of the first edition of the Northern Amateur Women Football Association between Joe Kay Angels and Plateau United Queens FC lived up to its billing as the game could only be decided via the lottery of penalties.
Mary James with an assist from Beatrice Oko, put Joe Kay Angels in front to lead 1-0. It looked as if Joe Kay will smile home with the trophy but Plateau United Queens, who had never conceded a goal throughout this tournament(likewise Joe Kay Angels), through Nanyi Ndam did the damage to Joe Kay’s hope, scoring the equalizer via the penalty spot, stretching the game into penalties after they equalized in the dying minutes of the second half to end the regulation time score 1-1.
Plateau United Queens carried the day, beating Joe Kay Angels 4-3 on penalties.
The owner of Joe Kay Angels, Joshua Dabo, praised the organizers for putting up this tournament but regretted his girls inability to hold on to their 1-0 lead, conceding a last minute goal that forced the game into penalties.
On his own part, the Assistant General Manager of Plateau United FC, Danjuma Isandu says: “This is a great step forward by the organizers to reposition women football properly especially in the North. Although the financial assistance is not forthcoming as they expected, but what I believe is that if they keep on working hard, every support needed will be gotten and their dream of making women football one of the best, lucrative and most followed in Nigeria will be achieved.”
It would be recalled that ten(10) teams participated in this maiden edition of the Northern Amateur Women Football Association League. They include:
Plateau United Queens of Jos
Joe Kay Angels of Jos
SIK Paragons of Jos
Jaba Queens of Kaduna
Afunkoyo Babes of Taraba
Bwaruaune Babes of Adamawa
Blessed KAA Queens of Jos
Jewel Queens of Gombe
Jazzy Stars Damsels of Jos
Zango Queens of Kaduna.
