As the 2024/25 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership enters Matchday 5, teams across Groups A and B are set for high-stakes encounters on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
The biggest highlight of the round is the much-anticipated South-South derby between Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens, a clash between two former league champions with unbeaten records on the line.
Group A: Key Battles & Team Analysis
Edo Queens vs Nasarawa Amazons
Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City
Defending champions Edo Queens face a stern test against an in-form Nasarawa Amazons side. After a perfect start to the season, Edo Queens have struggled in their last two matches, drawing 1-1 with both Remo Stars Ladies and Dannaz Ladies. Coach Moses Aduku will be keen to see his side return to winning ways and maintain their unbeaten record.
Nasarawa Amazons, on the other hand, have been one of the most consistent teams this season. Their only setback was a 3-0 loss to Abia Angels, but they have won three of their four games convincingly. They will be looking to capitalize on Edo Queens’ recent drop in form to cause an upset.
Head-to-Head: Edo Queens have dominated recent meetings, winning four of their last six clashes, while Nasarawa Amazons have won two. The last meeting ended 1-0 in favour of Edo Queens at the 2024 Premiership Super Six Playoffs, courtesy of a Suliyat Abideen goal.
Ekiti Queens vs Confluence Queens
Venue: Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti Queens have been solid at home, winning both their previous home games against Heartland Queens and Dannaz Ladies. Under Jacob Vandhi, they have built a fortress in Ado-Ekiti, and they will be favorites against a struggling Confluence Queens side.
It has been a nightmare season so far for Confluence Queens, who have lost all four of their matches, conceding nine goals and scoring just one. If Coach Sabo Okala is to turn things around, his side must find a way to stop their defensive frailties and earn their first point of the campaign.
Head-to-Head: This is their first-ever NWFL Premiership meeting.
Heartland Queens vs Dannaz Ladies
Venue: Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri
Heartland Queens are desperate for their first win of the season. After three losses and a 1-1 draw against Naija Ratels, coach Obi Ogbala is under pressure to turn things around. Their 4-1 defeat to Remo Stars Ladies last week exposed weaknesses at the back, and they must tighten up defensively.
Dannaz Ladies have been poor travelers, losing their last two away games to Nasarawa Amazons and Ekiti Queens. However, they have shown glimpses of quality, holding Edo Queens to a 1-1 draw last week.
Head-to-Head: They met twice last season, with each team winning at home. Heartland Queens won 2-1 in Owerri, while Dannaz Ladies secured a 2-0 victory in Lagos.
Remo Stars Ladies vs Abia Angels
Venue: Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne
One of the standout teams this season, Remo Stars Ladies, remain unbeaten after four games, winning three and drawing 1-1 with defending champions Edo Queens. Their top scorer, Bolaji Olamide, has been in sensational form, scoring in every match so far.
Abia Angels have been a resurgent force under coach Adanna Nwaneri. After a 5-0 thrashing by Edo Queens on Matchday 1, they have bounced back with two emphatic 3-0 wins over Nasarawa Amazons and Confluence Queens, followed by a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Heartland Queens.
Head-to-Head: Last season, Remo Stars and Abia Angels played out a 1-1 draw in their only league meeting.
Group B: Derby Takes Center Stage
Rivers Angels vs Bayelsa Queens
Venue: Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt
The biggest fixture of Matchday 5 sees South-South rivals Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens battle for supremacy. Both teams are undefeated, with three wins and a draw, making this a highly anticipated encounter.
Head-to-Head: Bayelsa Queens hold a slight advantage, winning five of their last 11 league meetings, while Rivers Angels have won four. Their last clash at the 2023/24 Super Six Playoffs ended 1-1 in Yenagoa.
Naija Ratels vs Delta Queens
Venue: Bwari Township, Abuja
Naija Ratels have drawn three of their four games, with their only win coming against Ibom Angels (2-1). They will aim to claim maximum points against an inconsistent Delta Queens side.
Delta Queens have struggled this season, with just one win from four games. Their 2-1 home loss to Rivers Angels last week added to their woes, and they need a strong performance in Abuja to revive their campaign.
Head-to-Head: Delta Queens have won two of their last three meetings, while their last encounter ended 0-0.
FC Robo Queens vs Ibom Angels
Venue: Onikan Stadium, Lagos
FC Robo Queens were frustrated in a 2-2 draw against Naija Ratels last week and will look to return to winning ways at home. They have a decent record at the Legacy Pitch, and coach Emmanuel Osahon will demand more from his squad.
Ibom Angels, meanwhile, are coming off their first win of the season (2-1 vs. Benue Queens). However, their record in Lagos is concerning, including a 7-1 defeat to FC Robo in 2022/23. They must show defensive resilience to avoid a similar outcome.
Head-to-Head: FC Robo Queens have won two of the last three meetings, while Ibom Angels have won one.
With intense rivalries, unbeaten records at stake, and crucial points up for grabs, Matchday 5 of the NWFL Premiership promises thrilling encounters. Who will rise to the occasion?