Dannaz Ladies and Lakeside Queens have gained promotion to top flight Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership at the conclusion of this year’s second tier NWFL Championship campaign.
The two private clubs from Lagos and Ogun State won their promotions in the 12 clubs race in the week-long Championship season after finishing as winners of Group A and B respectively.
In its second season in the second division, Dannaz Ladies picked one of two tickets after a 3-1 over another Lagos based side, DreamStar FC Ladies.
Omotoke Ogunfuwa, Akinbo Ajoke, and Solaty Fatimoh scored for Dannaz while Owoseni Bukola pulled one back for DreamStar to top Group A and seal their first ever promotion to the Nigerian topflight.
Same day, Lakeside Queens topped Group B and picked the sole ticket from the group with a 4-1 bashing of another Lagos based side, Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens thanks to Dorcas John’s brace and a goal each from Gift Chukwu and Doarthy Eshiet as Osundina Oluwasfemi reduced the deficit for Eletu Queens.
Delta Babes will return to the third tier of the Nigerian league, NWFL Nationwide after a disappointing 3-1 loss to Sunshine Queens.
Moyin Owolabi, Precious Edewor, and Shola Oduwaye scored for Akure based side to condemn the Asaba based outfit to a relegation despite late consolatory effort from Ifeoma Damian.
Delta Babes will be joined in the NWFL Nationwide by Moje Queens despite its shock 3-2 win against one of the most successful teams in the league, Pelican Stars.
Oyewole Toyin’s second half brace were not enough to save the Erin-Ile, Kwara State based team from relegation.
Adeusi Alaba and Ojo Patience converted for the Calabar based side coupled with a goal by Offor Chidera for Moje Queens.
Debutants Imo Striker Queens will also remain in the league despite its 2-1 loss to Honey Badgers.
Terfa Anasthensia and Hellen Daniel scored for the Benue State based team while Harmony Achifula converted a goal for Imo Striker Queens.
Another debutant, Ekiti Queens forced Kwara Ladies to a 1-1 draw as Chima Chisom’s goal canceled out John Marvelous opener for Kwara Ladies.
WHAT THEY SAID:
Lakeside Queens coach, Ganiyu Oluwatobi:“I feel so glad to gain promotion with the team. I already saw it coming despite it being difficult. We thank God that made it possible for us. The Sunshine Queens game really boosted us to score more goals because we knew that we are on the same point knowing well that if they can win 3-1, we can also win 4-1. We have a lot of talents and very young girls. They are going far. Regarding the Premiership, we need more to work on and to get more players to strength the team. We have good support from Honourable Kunle Soname. It is going to be easier for us to get a formidable team. I want the organizers to improve on fixtures congestion. We didn’t play the normal game we ought to play. I will advise that the next season should be a home and away format whereby the girls would have enough time to rest and correct all the mistakes. It is not encouraging to be playing almost everyday.”
Dannaz Ladies Head Coach, Dr Diana Asak: “I am so excited and happy. We have been looking for this ticket since last year. Last year was a narrow escape.
Dannaz Ladies Assistant Coach, Bashiru Fatai: “This is one of the best moments of my life and for Dannaz FC Ladies in general because we came last year and lost a match. We also lost a match as well this season. It was somehow difficult but at the end it was easy for us. Last season was a great loss for us because we prepared a lot. That was why we didn’t relent and still have to prepare. We prepare for the league this season by playing with boys and not with girls to give the team more fight and we came out today to give a good fight and gained promotion. We are very happy. We are going to bring in new players. The Premiership is a new experience if we want to stay in the league, we have to get new players.”