The second game of Matchday Two in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six will see Group B teams Edo Queens and Rivers Angels face off at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenegoa on Monday.
Edo Queens will be entering the encounter, brimming with confidence after their emphatic 5-1 victory over Confluence Queens in the opening match of the title championship on Saturday.
Rivers Angels, on the other hand, managed to secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw against hosts Bayelsa Queens in their opening match.
During the regular season, both sides defended their home turf successfully, with Edo Queens achieving a resounding 4-1 win in Benin City, while Rivers Angels triumphed 3-1 in Port Harcourt.
This sets the stage for an intriguing contest, with each team having demonstrated their capability to dominate on their own ground.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Rivers Angels have a slight edge in their recent head-to-head record against Edo Queens, having won two of their last five league encounters.
Edo Queens have managed one win, with the remaining two matches ending in draws. This balance of power suggests that the upcoming match could be closely contested.
Key Players to Watch:
- Ezekiel Motunrayo (Rivers Angels): Motunrayo was instrumental in Rivers Angels’ 3-1 victory over Edo Queens during the regular season, scoring two goals. Her ability to find the back of the net will be crucial for her team’s success.
- Goodness Osigwe (Edo Queens): Osigwe, who netted a hat-trick in Edo Queens’ 4-1 victory in the return leg, will be a key player to watch. Her scoring prowess could be the deciding factor in this match.
Historical Context
A win for Edo Queens would not only bring them closer to their maiden league title but also give coach Moses Aduku a chance to secure his second league title with a different team, following his previous success with Bayelsa Queens in the 2021/2022 season.
Rivers Angels, former league champions, are also keen to reclaim their title and secure a spot in continental competitions.
Their triumph in the 2020/2021 season qualified the Pride of Rivers for the inaugural WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire and the subsequent final tournament in Egypt.
The clash between Edo Queens and Rivers Angels promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have shown they can score and defend well, making this match crucial for their Super Six campaigns.
With historical wins and recent form on their side, each team will look to assert dominance and gain an advantage in the race for the NWFL Premiership title.
Recent Meetings
- 2020/2021 Season:
- Edo Queens 1-1 Rivers Angels (Elizabeth Zirike 88′ – Vivian Ikechukwu 79′)
- 2021 Super Six:
- Rivers Angels 4-0 Edo Queens (Vivian Ikechukwu 10′, Alice Ogebe 31′, Oghenebrume Ikhehua 44′, 87′)
- 2022 Super Six:
- Edo Queens 0-0 Rivers Angels
- Rivers Angels 3-1 Edo Queens (Ezekiel Motunrayo 6′, 74′, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu 80′ – Suliat Abideen 36′)
- Edo Queens 4-1 Rivers Angels (Goodness Osigwe 7′, 8′, 56′, Amarachukwu Onuorah 84′ – Peace Effiong 23′)
Overall Record
- Games Played: 5
- Edo Queens Wins: 1
- Rivers Angels Wins: 2
- Draws: 2