Historic Clash: Ekiti Queens and Delta Queens meet for the first time in the country’s women’s topflight league since its inception in 1990.
Ekiti’s Maiden Voyage: Making their debut in the Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership, Ekiti Queens rose from the second division, NWFL Championship, in 2023, finishing as Group A runners-up.
Rising Stars: Ekiti Queens, sponsored by Ekiti State, join three other newly promoted clubs—Sunshine Queens, Remo Stars Ladies, and Dannaz Ladies—to battle it out in the NWFL Premiership this season.
Delta’s Dominance: Defending champions Delta Queens, boasting six Nigerian league titles, hold sway over South-West clubs, clinching victories against Osun Babes and maintaining an impeccable record.
Victorious Streak: Delta Queens secured wins against regional teams, triumphing with scores like 2-1 against Osun Babes and sweeping them aside with a 3-0 victory at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Regional Dominance: Delta Queens have won five of their last six matches against clubs from the South-West region, claiming victories over Sunshine Queens and FC Robo Queens in the past seasons.
Defensive Dominance: Conceding only three goals while netting ten in their last four matches against regional teams, Delta Queens showcase their formidable defensive prowess and attacking strength.
Unprecedented Challenge: In twenty years, no title holders have lost their season opener, especially against a debutant team like Ekiti Queens, setting the stage for an unprecedented clash.
Ekiti Queens
South-West Representation: Ekiti Queens stand among the five South-West region teams in the NWFL Premiership, including Robo Queens and Dannaz Ladies from Lagos, Remo Stars Ladies from Ogun State, and Sunshine Queens from Akure, Ondo State.
Debut Triumph: Their promotion to the country’s top-flight came after securing second place behind Dannaz Ladies in Group A during the 2023 NWFL Championship in Ikenne, Ogun State.
New Entrants: Ekiti Queens, alongside Remo Stars Ladies FC and Sunshine Queens, make their entry into the top flight, joining FC Robo Queens for an exciting season.
Trailblazers: Making history, Ekiti Queens become the first women’s football team from Ekiti State to compete in the top tier after just a single season in the NWFL’s second tier.
Pre-season Challenges: Ahead of their title defense, Tosin Moses’ team faced tough pre-season contests at the 2023 Sheroes Cup in Abuja and the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament in Benin City.
Learning Curve: Despite a rough start at the Sheroes Cup with draws and losses, Ekiti Queens bounced back at the Betsy Obaseki Cup, reaching the quarterfinals before a 4-1 defeat to Bayelsa Queens.
Early Lessons: These challenges serve as vital tests, giving the debutants a glimpse of what lies ahead, especially against defending champions Delta Queens and the other seasoned competitors.
Giant-Killing Ambition: A win for Ekiti Queens would shake the status quo and signal their arrival as a formidable new force in the league, while even a draw would make a significant statement in their debut season.
Delta Queens
Historic Triumph: The Pearls ended an 11-year wait for the league title, securing a 2-1 victory over Bayelsa Queens in the 2023 NWFL Premiership Super Six final on home turf.
Unbeatable Streak: Asaba’s side made history by remaining undefeated in 15 matches—12 in the regular season and three Super Six games—sealing their triumphant campaign without a single loss.
Crowned Champions: Tosan Blankson’s squad clinched the coveted crown in 2023, winning nine and drawing six games across the NWFL Premiership and Super Six matches.
Unbroken Record: Their feat extended an impressive unbeaten run to 16 games since their 1-0 victory against Naija Ratels FC during the final set of games in the 2022 NWFL Premiership Super Six.
Pre-season Success: Ahead of the new season, Delta claimed bronze at the 2023 Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament, dominating Remo Stars with a resounding 3-1 victory in the third-place match.
Invincible Momentum: The Deltans aim to carry forward their undefeated form into the upcoming season, commencing their journey against newcomers Ekiti Queens with a determination to maintain their winning streak.