The 2024/25 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership reaches Matchday 6 with five teams still unbeaten after five rounds, all eager to maintain their strong starts to the season on Wednesday.
Bayelsa Queens and Naija Ratels face a pivotal clash at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenegoa, while Edo Queens visit a winless Confluence Queens, and Rivers Angels look to bounce back against debutants Benue Queens. Meanwhile, the in-form Remo Stars Ladies will travel to Lagos for the South West Derby against Dannaz Ladies.
Here’s a closer look at the fixtures:
Group A
Confluence Queens vs Edo Queens
Confluence Queens are in a dire situation, having yet to register a win or even a point in the league after five matches. The team, based in Lokoja, will need to put in a monumental performance to secure any sort of result against Edo Queens, the defending champions. Edo Queens have been on a roll, winning three out of their last five matches, including a comfortable 2-0 victory over Nasarawa Amazons in their most recent outing. This match could be a crucial turning point for Confluence if they hope to avoid relegation, but they will have to break through Edo’s solid defense. Historically, the Edo-based side has had the upper hand in this fixture, winning four of their last seven meetings, with only two losses. Their last encounter at the 2023/24 Super Six saw Edo Queens completely outclass Confluence with a 5-1 thrashing. However, if Confluence Queens can find a spark and upset the defending champions, it could be a morale-boosting moment for their struggling season.
Abia Angels vs Ekiti Queens
In what will be the first-ever top-flight meeting between Abia Angels and Ekiti Queens, both sides are keen to secure important points to bolster their positions in the league. Abia Angels, after a solid start to the season, suffered a 2-0 defeat to Remo Stars Ladies last week, ending a three-match unbeaten run. They’ll be looking to bounce back on their home turf, where they’ve won both of their home games so far. On the other hand, Ekiti Queens have shown significant improvement after a challenging debut season in the league. They’ve already accumulated three wins, compared to just one victory throughout last season, but their away form has been less than impressive. With losses to Remo Stars Ladies and Nasarawa Amazons, Ekiti will be hoping to turn their fortunes around when they travel to Umuahia. This fixture will be a test of Abia’s home advantage and Ekiti’s ability to find success on the road.
Dannaz Ladies vs Remo Stars Ladies
The South West Derby between Dannaz Ladies and Remo Stars Ladies is one of the most anticipated matchups of Matchday 6. This is the first-ever top-flight meeting between the two sides, both of which gained promotion to the Premiership in the same season. Dannaz Ladies have shown resilience at home, securing one win and one draw, and they’ll be looking to continue that form against an in-form Remo Stars. Remo Stars Ladies have been superb this season, with four wins and a draw from their five games, including an impressive 1-1 draw away against Edo Queens and a victory over Confluence Queens. Having remained undefeated so far, the Sky Blue Ladies are in high spirits and are clear favourites for the encounter. Their superb team chemistry, particularly in attack, has proven to be a key strength. Dannaz will need to find their best performance yet to challenge Remo, especially given the latter’s strong start to the season.
Nasarawa Amazons vs Heartland Queens
Nasarawa Amazons are reeling from a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Edo Queens and will be eager to return to winning ways in front of their home crowd. The Solid Babes have been consistent, winning three of their first five games, including a notable away victory over Confluence Queens. They’ve also been strong at home and will have the advantage against a Heartland Queens side that has struggled this season. With two draws and three losses, Heartland Queens are yet to register a win, and coach Obi Ogbala will be desperate for points. Heartland’s dismal away form, having lost their past two matches on the road, means they have a tough task ahead, but a positive result could be a turning point in their season. Both teams will be looking to capitalize on this opportunity, with Nasarawa aiming for a strong response and Heartland desperate to find their first win.
Group B
Benue Queens vs Rivers Angels
Benue Queens are still searching for their first-ever point in the NWFL Premiership after five consecutive losses. The debutants have faced a baptism of fire in the league, but they’ll be hoping to cause a huge upset when they face one of the league’s top teams, Rivers Angels. Rivers Angels come into this match with an unbeaten record and will look to continue their fine form after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Bayelsa Queens last week. Under the guidance of coach Tosan Blankson, the Rivers-based team has shown resilience, securing a 2-1 win over Delta Queens in their last away outing. Benue Queens will need to dig deep and pull off a miracle to collect points from this encounter, while Rivers Angels will be focused on maintaining their strong start to the season.
Ibom Angels vs Adamawa Queens
Ibom Angels will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they face Adamawa Queens in Uyo. The hosts have had an up-and-down season so far, with just one win from their last five games, but their home record remains solid, with two draws and no losses at home. Adamawa Queens, who are also returning to the top flight after a season in the second tier, have struggled on the road, losing their last two away matches. They will be hoping to build on their home form when they visit Uyo for this encounter. With both teams looking to climb the table, this match could go a long way in shaping their respective seasons. Ibom Angels will aim to capitalize on home advantage, while Adamawa Queens will need to improve their away form if they’re to challenge for the points.
Bayelsa Queens vs Naija Ratels
A clash of the undefeated sides will be one of the most exciting fixtures of the weekend as Bayelsa Queens take on Naija Ratels at the Samson Siasia Stadium. Bayelsa Queens, known as the Prosperity Girls, have had a solid start to the season, with three wins and two draws, and will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run. Their home advantage could be a crucial factor, but Naija Ratels have proven to be resilient, despite drawing four of their five matches this season. The Abuja-based team has shown their strength in grinding out results, including a 1-1 draw against Delta Queens and a win over Ibom Angels. This matchup will be a test of Bayelsa’s offensive prowess against Naija Ratels’ disciplined defensive setup. Historically, Bayelsa Queens have won two of the last three meetings between these two teams, but with both sides in strong form, this match is expected to be a close contest.
Delta Queens vs FC Robo Queens
Delta Queens, having had a slow start to the season, will be looking for their second win of the campaign when they host FC Robo Queens at the Stephen Keshi Stadium. After a draw and two losses, the former league champions are struggling to regain their top form. However, their 1-1 draw against Naija Ratels last week could provide a boost ahead of this clash. FC Robo Queens, on the other hand, have been consistent, with three wins, a draw, and a loss. Their only defeat came at the hands of Rivers Angels, but they’ll be looking to bounce back with another positive result. FC Robo has proven to be a strong away team, with one win on the road already, and will be hoping for another strong showing here. The match promises to be a tense affair, with both teams looking to secure a vital three points to push up the standings.
This weekend promises plenty of excitement as teams across the league look to maintain their unbeaten runs or break losing streaks, all while jockeying for position in the NWFL Premiership standings.