Heartland Queens head coach Obi Ogbala has declared his ambition to mirror the NWFL title success he achieved with Nasarawa Amazons now that he is leading Heartland Queens in the 2025–26 Nigeria Women Football League season.
Ogbala says his immediate focus is steering Heartland Queens into the Super Six play-offs and pushing for the championship after guiding the Owerri-based side to promotion into the top flight.
Ogbala, who was in charge when Nasarawa Amazons lifted the NWFL title in 2020, took over at Heartland Queens in 2021 and has since overseen the club’s rise into the elite tier of Nigerian women’s football.
Currently fourth in Group A with nine points, Heartland Queens are preparing to host Bayelsa Queens in a rescheduled fixture on Wednesday, 18 February 2026 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.
Ogbala stressed that securing a place in the NWFL Super Six play offs by finishing among the top three in their group, is the first step toward contesting for the title and potentially recreating the triumph he enjoyed with Nasarawa Amazons.
The Heartland boss also praised the support from the Imo State Government, saying the backing has helped create a positive environment for the team’s ambitions.
Editorial
Obi Ogbala’s comments reflect a broader narrative in the NWFL Premiership, teams with strong leadership can rise quickly even if they are not traditional title contenders. Having led Nasarawa Amazons to glory, Ogbala carries valuable experience to Heartland Queens, where expectations are growing among fans in Owerri.
Heartland Queens’ current position in the league is encouraging, especially considering the competitive nature of Group A. Qualifying for the Super Six will require consistency and resilience, and the team’s performances so far suggest they have the potential to push into the top tier.
Whether Ogbala can inspire a title challenge akin to what he achieved with Nasarawa Amazons remains to be seen. However, his emphasis on building steadily and targeting the Super Six shows a pragmatic approach success in women’s football often stems from stability, strategic planning, and strong administrative support.
Did You Know?
- Obi Ogbala was the coach of Nasarawa Amazons when they won the NWFL title in 2020.
- Heartland Queens earned promotion to the Nigeria Women Football League under Ogbala’s guidance after he took over the club in 2021.
- The Nigeria Women Football League Super Six play-offs determine the overall champion of the NWFL Premiership.
- Heartland Queens are based in Owerri and play home games at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
- Bayelsa Queens, one of Heartland’s upcoming opponents, were the 2024–25 NWFL Premiership champions.
