The race for top-flight football in Calabar, Cross River State, continued with eight thrilling Matchday two games of the 2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship on Sunday.
In Group A1, Imo Striker, who had previously dominated Heroes Queens 7-0, faced a surprising 2-1 defeat against host Pelican Stars at the UJ Esuene Stadium. Joy Okoronkwo and Perpetual Ndikani scored early for Pelican Stars, putting the game beyond reach despite Precious Oscar’s late consolation goal in the 78th minute.
Castmog Ladies secured their first win of the season from the same group with a 2-0 victory over Heroes Queens, thanks to a brace from Temitope Dosunmu.
In Group A2, Gallant Queens continued their winning streak with a 2-0 triumph over Kaduna Queens in a derby between teams from the same state. Despite arriving from Kaduna state on match day, Kaduna Queens managed to hold Gallant Queens to a goalless first half. However, fatigue set in during the second half, allowing Favour Okafor to score twice and seal the victory for Gallant Queens.
Moje Queens also made headlines in Group A2 by drawing 1-1 with Wazbak International. Lateef Rashidat gave Wazbak the lead, but a second-half penalty from Ajibola Mariam Ayoni equalized for Moje Queens.
Papa Soccer Angels delivered a stunning 5-1 win over Chosen Generation in a high-scoring clash. Ugochi Ifebi scored twice, including a superb free kick, while Ajewole Oyindamola, Anthony Elizabeth, and Chigbo Margaret each added a goal. Ogaga-Oghene’s lone goal for Chosen Generation proved insufficient.
In Group B1, Ibom Angels maintained their perfect record with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Delta Babes, thanks to goals from Ugobest Osuji and Abasiofon Uwah.
Elsewhere, Honey Badgers also secured their second consecutive win with a 2-1 success against Fortress Ladies. Saawa Comfort and Regina Daniel scored for Honey Badgers, while Favour Enodumwenben netted the opening goal for Fortress Ladies. With this victory, Honey Badgers have progressed to the playoffs after accumulating six points from their first two matches.
Finally, DreamStar Ladies secured a late equalizer against Kwara Ladies, with Sanni Aishat scoring after Kemi Attah had given Kwara Ladies the lead.
Monday, September 2, will be a rest day before the action resumes on Tuesday with Matchday three.
2024 NWFL Championship Matchday Two Results – September 1
Group A1 – UJ Esuene Stadium
Imo Striker 1-2 Pelican Stars
WATCH: https://youtube.com/live/1m7uL3dDcZE?feature=share
Castmog Ladies 2-0 Heroes Queens
WATCH: https://youtube.com/live/ELGIbkQ8oD4?feature=share
Group A2 – Saint Patrick College Field
Gallant Queens 2-0 Kaduna Queens
Moje Queens 1-1 Wazbak International
Group B1 – Saint Patrick College Field
Papa Soccer Angels 5-1 Chosen Generation
Delta Babes 1-2 Ibom Angels
Group B2 – UJ Esuene Stadium
Fortress Ladies 1-2 Honey Badgers
WATCH: https://youtube.com/live/4sCDo1DlD34?feature=share
Dreamstar Ladies 1-1 Kwara Ladies
WATCH: https://youtube.com/live/TkugqVqHwCY?feature=share