As the 2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six approaches its crucial stages, Matchday three brings thrilling fixtures at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, on Wednesday.
The highlight of the day features a showdown between former league champions Nasarawa Amazons and Rivers Angels.
Nasarawa Amazons are still in pursuit of their first win of the tournament following a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to hosts Bayelsa Queens.
The Solid Babes kicked off their campaign with a goalless draw against Heartland Queens, where they missed a penalty that could have shifted the tide in their favour. Coach Christopher Danjuma’s side is gearing up to produce a standout performance against a team they haven’t overcome in their recent league encounters.
On the flip side, Rivers Angels clinched their first Super Six victory with a 2-1 win over high-scoring Edo Queens, following a 1-1 draw with Bayelsa Queens in their opening match.
Ogbonda Whyte’s squad holds a notable head-to-head advantage against Nasarawa Amazons, having emerged victorious in their last two meetings. Another commanding performance will be pivotal for Rivers Angels as they aim to regain the league title they last secured in 2021.
Previous Meetings:
In recent encounters, Rivers Angels have consistently outperformed Nasarawa Amazons. Starting from the 2020/2021 season, Rivers Angels secured a 2-1 victory, with goals from Vivian Ikechukwu and Maryann Ezeanagu canceling out Ugochi Emenayo’s opener for the Amazons.
In the 2022 Super Six, Rivers Angels continued their dominance with a 2-1 triumph, as Mercy Idoko’s goal for Nasarawa Amazons was overturned by strikes from Maryann Ezeanagu and Kehinde Deborah for Rivers Angels.
Despite their successes, in the 2019 Women Federation Cup final, Nasarawa Amazons emerged victorious in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw.
Earlier encounters also favored Rivers Angels, including a narrow 1-0 win in the NWPL Super Six 2012 and a comprehensive 3-0 victory in the Women’s Federation Cup Final in Lagos on September 15, 2013.
The trend continued with Rivers Angels securing wins in subsequent matches: 1-0 on May 10, 2014, in the NWPL, 1-0 on November 2, 2015, in NWPL Round 1, and a 5-3 penalty shootout victory in the NWPL Final on January 21, 2016, in Abuja.
In the Women’s Federation Cup Semifinals on September 21, 2016, Rivers Angels clinched a 1-0 win, but Nasarawa Amazons turned the tide with a 2-1 victory in the NWPL Super Four Round 2 on October 10, 2017.
Previous Meetings:
- NWPL Super Six 2012:
- Rivers Angels 1-0 Nasarawa Amazons
- Women’s Federation Cup Final [September 15, 2013, Lagos]:
- Rivers Angels 3-0 Nasarawa Amazons
- Goals: Ofoegbu Gloria 43′, 78′, Elizabeth Addo 54′
- Rivers Angels 3-0 Nasarawa Amazons
- May 10, 2014, NWPL:
- Rivers Angels 1-0 Nasarawa Amazons
- November 2, 2015, NWPL Round 1:
- Nasarawa Amazons 0-1 Rivers Angels
- NWPL Final [January 21, 2016, Abuja]:
- Rivers Angels 0-0 Nasarawa Amazons (Rivers Angels won 5-3 on penalties)
- Women’s Federation Cup Semifinals [September 21, 2016]:
- Rivers Angels 1-0 Nasarawa Amazons
- NWPL Super Four Round 2 [October 10, 2017]:
- Rivers Angels 1-2 Nasarawa Amazons
- 2019 Women Federation Cup Final:
- Rivers Angels 0-0 Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa Amazons won 5-4 on penalties)
- 2020/2021 Season:
- Nasarawa Amazons 1-2 Rivers Angels
- Goals: Ugochi Emenayo 51′ (Nasarawa Amazons); Vivian Ikechukwu 55′, Maryann Ezeanagu 70′ (Rivers Angels)
- Nasarawa Amazons 1-2 Rivers Angels
- 2021 NWFL Premiership Round 12:
- Nasarawa Amazons 1-2 Rivers Angels
- 2022 Super Six:
- Nasarawa Amazons 1-2 Rivers Angels
- Goals: Mercy Idoko 39′ (Nasarawa Amazons); Maryann Ezeanagu 72′, Kehinde Deborah 78′ (Rivers Angels)
- Nasarawa Amazons 1-2 Rivers Angels
Overall Record:
- Games Played: 10
- Nasarawa Amazons wins: 2
- Rivers Angels wins: 7
- Draws: 1
This upcoming clash promises to be another thrilling chapter in their rivalry, with both teams eager to secure a vital victory in the Super Six.