In a crucial penultimate game of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership, Rivers Angels face Confluence Queens on Matchday three at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenegoa, Bayelsa state capital, on Friday.
Unbeaten in the Super Six so far, Rivers Angels are looking to get back to winning ways after a goalless draw with Nasarawa Amazons.
They are currently two points behind leaders Bayelsa Queens, having also drawn 0-0 with them in their first Super Six match.
Their only win in the Super Six was a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Edo Queens, with first-half goals from Florence Alexander and a Valentina Uroko own goal, while Emem Essien scored for Edo Queens. Florence Alexander and Regina Otu, who have been crucial in both defense and attack.
On the other hand, Confluence Queens have one win in their three Super Six games, a 2-0 victory over Heartland Queens, thanks to goals from Merit Offor and Fernami Odutade. They have also experienced a heavy 5-1 defeat to Edo Queens and a 2-0 loss to Bayelsa Queens.
Merit Offor and Fernami Odutade, who were pivotal in their victory over Heartland Queens.
Previous Meetings and Head-to-Head Record
Rivers Angels have a superior head-to-head record against Confluence Queens, with five wins out of eight encounters:
- 2014 NWPL:
- Confluence Queens 1-2 Rivers Angels
- Rivers Angels 1-0 Confluence Queens
- 2015 President Federation Cup Quarter Final:
- Confluence Queens 2-1 Rivers Angels
- 2018/2019 NWPL:
- Confluence Queens 1-0 Rivers Angels
- Rivers Angels 3-1 Confluence Queens
- 2019 NWPL Super Four Final:
- Rivers Angels 1-0 Confluence Queens
- 2020/2021 NWPL:
- Confluence Queens 1-1 Rivers Angels
- 2024 NWFL Premiership Super Six Third Place Match:
- Rivers Angels 2-0 Confluence Queens
Overall Record:
- Games Played: 8
- Rivers Angels Wins: 5
- Confluence Queens Wins: 2
- Draws: 1
Match Stakes
This match is crucial for both teams as they seek to enhance their title chances:
A win would keep Rivers Angels in contention for the title, especially given their unbeaten record and their strong performance history against Confluence Queens.
A triumph would be vital for Confluence Queens to stay in the race and potentially climb the log, depending on other match results, particularly the tie between Bayelsa Queens and Heartland Queens.
Conclusion
As the Super Six reaches its critical stages, both Rivers Angels and Confluence Queens are looking to capitalize on this penultimate game to secure a favorable position.
With Rivers Angels’ strong head-to-head record and unbeaten run in the tournament, they may have the upper hand, but Confluence Queens are determined to make their mark and disrupt the status quo.
The match promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams aim to activate a photo finish to the season, making it a potentially three-horse race for the NWFL Premiership title.