2024/25 NWFL Premiership MD 4 Previews: Blankson Returns to Asaba as Delta Queens Battle Rivers Angels in South-South Derby

The 2024/25 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership enters Matchday 4 on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, with another round of thrilling encounters.

Five teams—Edo Queens, Remo Stars Ladies, Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens, and Naija Ratels—will put their unbeaten records on the line as they aim to maintain momentum in the race for Super Six spots.

The standout fixture of the round is the highly anticipated South-South derby between Delta Queens and Rivers Angels in Asaba, where former Delta Queens coach Tosan Blankson returns to face his old team with his new side, Rivers Angels.

Meanwhile, the star match of the week will be the clash between Bayelsa Queens and Adamawa Queens, which will be broadcast live on NTA Sports and StarTimes.

Group A Fixtures (Wednesday, February 5, 2025)

Dannaz Ladies vs. Edo Queens (Lagos)

Holders Edo Queens will be eager to return to winning ways after their 1-1 draw with Remo Stars Ladies ended their perfect start to the season. Moses Aduku’s side had secured earlier wins against Abia Angels and Heartland Queens, with their victory in Owerri marking a strong start to their title defense.

Dannaz Ladies, playing only their second home match of the campaign, secured a 2-0 victory over Confluence Queens in Matchday 2 but suffered away defeats to Nasarawa Amazons and Ekiti Queens. The Lagos-based side will be keen to cause an upset against the champions.

Nasarawa Amazons vs. Ekiti Queens (Lafia)

Both Nasarawa Amazons and Ekiti Queens come into this fixture with six points each, making this a crucial battle for a third league victory.

The Solid Babes bounced back from their 3-0 defeat to Abia Angels with victories over Dannaz Ladies and Confluence Queens, while Ekiti Queens have been solid at home, winning against Heartland Queens and Dannaz Ladies but losing narrowly to Remo Stars Ladies away. The Ado Ekiti-based side will aim for their first point on the road.

Abia Angels vs. Confluence Queens (Umuahia)

After a tough opening-day 5-0 defeat to Edo Queens, Abia Angels have recovered well with a 3-0 victory over Nasarawa Amazons and a valuable away draw against Heartland Queens.

In contrast, Confluence Queens remain winless after three consecutive losses, but history favors the Lokoja-based side. They have dominated this fixture in recent seasons, winning four of the last five encounters, with one ending in a draw. Abia Angels will hope to break that jinx at home.

Remo Stars Ladies vs. Heartland Queens (Ikenne)

Remo Stars Ladies continue their impressive debut season, sitting joint-top of Group A after a 1-1 draw away to Edo Queens. With two wins and a draw, they will be confident against a struggling Heartland Queens side that has yet to win a game.

Obi Ogbala’s side has suffered defeats to Ekiti Queens and Edo Queens but showed defensive improvement in their goalless draw against Abia Angels. This will be the first-ever meeting between both sides in the top flight, with two experienced coaches, Wemimo Mathew and Obi Ogbala, facing off.

Group B Fixtures (Wednesday, February 5, 2025)

Delta Queens vs. Rivers Angels (Asaba)

The biggest fixture of Matchday 4 sees former Delta Queens coach Tosan Blankson return to Asaba with Rivers Angels. Under his guidance, Delta Queens won the league in 2022/23, but now, he aims to lead Rivers Angels to victory against his former side.

Rivers Angels have won two of their opening three matches, with a 1-1 draw against Naija Ratels in Abuja as their only setback. Meanwhile, Delta Queens have had a mixed start—losing to Bayelsa Queens (1-0) and Adamawa Queens (3-0) but securing a 2-0 win over Benue Queens.

In their last nine meetings, Rivers Angels have won three times, while Delta Queens have won once. Five matches ended in draws, including four goalless stalemates. Rivers Angels won the last encounter 1-0 in Port Harcourt, while Delta Queens claimed a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture.

Ibom Angels vs. Benue Queens (Uyo)

Both Ibom Angels and Benue Queens are in search of their first victory of the season, making this a crucial fixture in the battle to avoid relegation.

Under the guidance of former Super Falcons coach Edwin Okon, Ibom Angels have shown glimpses of promise despite two losses and a draw. Benue Queens, on the other hand, have endured a difficult debut season, suffering three consecutive defeats.

With both sides needing a breakthrough, this match could be a defining moment in their survival hopes.

FC Robo Queens vs. Naija Ratels (Lagos)

Naija Ratels take their unbeaten record to Lagos, where they face an FC Robo Queens side looking to bounce back from a 4-2 loss to Rivers Angels.

The Lagos Landladies had started the season with wins over Benue Queens and Adamawa Queens before being outclassed in Port Harcourt. Meanwhile, Naija Ratels opened their campaign with two 1-1 draws against Adamawa Queens and Rivers Angels before clinching their first win against Ibom Angels (2-1).

Both sides have shown attacking intent but remain vulnerable defensively, having both scored and conceded in all their matches so far. Their last meeting in the 2024 President Federation Cup quarter-finals ended 5-4 in favor of Naija Ratels on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Bayelsa Queens vs. Adamawa Queens (Yenagoa) –

As the look to host Adamawa Queens in Yenagoa, Bayelsa Queens, who hit top form last week, demolished debutants Benue Queens 5-1 after struggling for goals in their first two matches. Their attacking prowess will be put to the test against an Adamawa Queens side that has shown resilience. After a 2-1 loss to FC Robo Queens and a 1-1 draw against Naija Ratels, the Fintiri Queens secured their first win with a 3-0 triumph over Delta Queens.

With both teams eager to maintain momentum, this fixture promises to be a high-intensity battle.

What to Expect in Matchday 4

Can Rivers Angels continue their dominance over Delta Queens, or will Blankson’s former team hand him a bitter return?

Will Edo Queens bounce back to winning ways against Dannaz Ladies?

Can Remo Stars Ladies extend their unbeaten run against struggling Heartland Queens?

Will Naija Ratels’ defense finally keep a clean sheet against FC Robo Queens?

Which of Ibom Angels or Benue Queens will register their first win of the season?

With high stakes across all fixtures, Matchday 4 of the NWFL Premiership promises drama, excitement, and defining moments in the race for the title and survival.