The 2023 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship kicked off in Ikenne and Sagamu, Ogun State respectively with 12 teams starting their quest to gain promotion from the country’s second tier to the topflight, NWFL Premiership on Saturday.
At Ikenne centre, Group A sides – Pelican Stars, Ekiti Queens, and Dannaz FC Ladies picked wins on the opening matchday.
Pelican Stars edged DreamStar FC Ladies 2-1 with Ogadinma Perpetua Ndekani and Ojo Patience giving the Cross Rivers State based side a two-goal lead before Owoseni Bukola reduced the deficit for the Lagos based side in the 74th minute.
The second game at Ikenne centre saw debutants in the second tier league, Ekiti Queens securing a 4-3 win over Moje Queens.
Olaleye Odunayo and Sarafa Tobiloba had given Ekiti a two goal lead before Godwin Peace’s brace leveled the scoreline with goals in the 36th and 40th minutes respectively.
Chima Chisom also scored a brace to restore the Ekiti state based team lead while Ayobankole Mary reduced the deficit for Moje Queens in the additional minutes of the second half.
The last game from Ikenne centre saw Dannaz FC Ladies earning a 2-1 win against Kwara Ladies.
Goals from Emefiele Blessing and Akinbo Ajoke gave the Lagos based side a comfortable lead before Abdulganiyu Fatima’s 72nd minute penalty reduced the deficit for Kwara Ladies but Dannaz hold on for a vital win.
In Sagamu, Sunshine Queens pipped Prince Kazeem Eletu Quens 1-0 in the first game of the day at the FC Ebiede Stadium.
Delta Babes forced Honey Badgers to a 1-1 draw as Okuwezie Faith’s 85th minute goal canceled out Royal Sunday’s opener.
Lakeside Queens secured a 3-2 win over Imo Striker Queens in the last game in Group B.
Harmony Achifula’s brace wasn’t enough for Imo Strikeras another brace by Dorathy Essien and a goal from Hannah Ibrahim in the 89th minute ensured that Lakeside Queens earned hard fought win.
After the six opening matches, Ekiti Queens and Lakeside Queens started on top of the Group A and Group B standings respectively.
MATCHDAY TWO FIXTURES
Matchday two will take place at both centres on Sunday with Ekiti Queens attempting to pick its second win of the campaign against Pelican Stars which will also hope to win its second game in Ikenne.
Dannaz Ladies FC will square up with Moje Queens while DreamStar FC Ladies and Kwara Ladies will round up Matchday Two in Ikenne.
In Sagamu, Sunshine Queens will attempt to boost its instant return to the top-flight with a win over Honey Badgers while Lakeside Queens will hope to build on its last minute win against Imo Striker when it faces Delta Babes.
Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens and Imo Strikers will try to pick their first point and win on Sunday.