The 2024/25 NWFL Premiership season reaches Matchday Nine on Wednesday, March 25, 2025, with all eight fixtures serving as reverse encounters from the opening day.
Three teams—Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, and Bayelsa Queens—remain unbeaten and will put their records on the line in challenging away fixtures.
Group A
Abia Angels vs Edo Queens
Abia Angels started the season on a disastrous note, suffering a 5-0 hammering against Edo Queens in their opening game. However, they have since turned their fortunes around, winning five of their last seven matches while drawing one and losing just once.
Currently on a three-match winning streak, they have defeated Ekiti Queens and Dannaz Ladies twice, making them a much-improved side since their first meeting with the defending champions.
Edo Queens, under the guidance of Moses Aduku, have been dominant this season, winning all their matches so far. They take their unbeaten record to Umuahia, a venue where they edged Abia Angels 1-0 two seasons ago. With three wins in their last three meetings against Abia Angels, Edo Queens are favorites, but they must be wary of a rejuvenated home side looking for revenge.
Heartland Queens vs Ekiti Queens
This fixture marks only the second-ever meeting between these two sides in the NWFL Premiership. Ekiti Queens won the first encounter 1-0 on opening day, courtesy of Odunayo Olaleye’s decisive strike.
Heartland Queens, led by Obi Ogbala, have had an inconsistent campaign, with their last outing ending in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Confluence Queens. They will aim to bounce back on home soil, where they have managed two draws, one win, and one loss at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.
Ekiti Queens, playing their debut season at this level, are still adapting to life in the top flight. They have struggled on the road, losing all four away matches to Remo Stars Ladies, Nasarawa Amazons, Abia Angels, and Edo Queens. A win here would mark their first away triumph of the season.
Remo Stars Ladies vs Confluence Queens
Remo Stars Ladies have enjoyed an impressive debut campaign, but their unbeaten run was halted last week when they suffered a late 1-0 loss to Nasarawa Amazons. Prior to that, Wemimo Matthew’s team had secured six wins and a draw, making them one of the strongest sides in the competition. Their fortress at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne remains intact, as they have won all four home matches played there.
Confluence Queens, on the other hand, recently ended their seven-match losing streak with a much-needed 1-0 win over Heartland Queens. However, their away form has been dismal, losing all three games on the road to Dannaz Ladies, Abia Angels, and Ekiti Queens. They will need a near-perfect performance to cause an upset against Remo Stars Ladies.
Dannaz Ladies vs Nasarawa Amazons
Dannaz Ladies, now in their second season in the NWFL Premiership, have struggled for consistency. They are winless in their last six outings, recording four losses and two draws. Their last victory came on Matchday Two when they defeated Confluence Queens 2-0. At home, their record has been unimpressive, with one win, one draw, and two defeats at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
Nasarawa Amazons head into this encounter with renewed confidence after ending Remo Stars Ladies’ seven-match unbeaten streak with a late Janet Akekeromowei goal. That win ended their six-match winless run and could serve as a turning point for Christopher Danjuma’s side. They have dominated previous meetings against Dannaz Ladies, winning two of their last three encounters, with the other ending in a goalless draw.
Group B
Ibom Angels vs Rivers Angels
This South-South derby is set to be another thrilling encounter as Ibom Angels host Rivers Angels at the Uyo Township Stadium. Their last meeting ended in a 2-1 victory for Rivers Angels, with their former coach Edwin Okon facing his former club.
Ibom Angels have performed well at home this season, winning three of their four matches against Benue Queens, Adamawa Queens, and Delta Queens, while securing a goalless draw against Bayelsa Queens. They will look to leverage their strong home form to challenge the visiting Rivers Angels.
Rivers Angels, on the other hand, have been formidable on the road, winning three of their four away matches. Their only slip came in a 1-1 draw against Naija Ratels.
Tosan Blackson’s side has won their last two meetings against Ibom Angels, with a slim one-goal margin separating both teams on both occasions.
Naija Ratels vs Adamawa Queens
A fierce rivalry that started in the second tier in 2021 continues at the top-flight level as Naija Ratels welcome Adamawa Queens.
Naija Ratels have built a fortress in Abuja, where they remain unbeaten with two wins and two draws this season.
Their home form gives them an edge against an Adamawa Queens side that has struggled on the road, losing all four of their away games to FC Robo Queens, Bayelsa Queens, Ibom Angels, and Rivers Angels.
Adamawa Queens, however, will take confidence from their most recent victory over Naija Ratels, a 2-0 win last season that ended their four-match winless run against their northern rivals. Historically, Naija Ratels have dominated this fixture, winning three of the last six meetings, with two draws and one loss.
FC Robo Queens vs Benue Queens
FC Robo Queens and Benue Queens meet for only the second time in league history. Their first clash ended in a resounding 5-1 victory for FC Robo Queens in Lafia.
The Lagos-based side has endured a tough run of form, losing their last three games. However, their overall record this season remains superior to Benue Queens, with three wins, one draw, and four defeats. At home, they have secured two wins, one draw, and one loss at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.Benue Queens have had an abysmal start to their debut season in the NWFL Premiership, losing all seven matches played so far. They desperately need a turnaround, but against a wounded FC Robo Queens side in Lagos, the odds are stacked against them.
Delta Queens vs Bayelsa Queens
Another South-South derby sees former champions Delta Queens host Bayelsa Queens at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
This fixture carries extra significance as Bayelsa Queens take their unbeaten record to Asaba, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat last season. The Prosperity Girls have been impressive on the road, winning two and drawing two of their four away matches.
Delta Queens, despite their pedigree, have been inconsistent this season. They have won three of their four home games but suffered a setback when Rivers Angels ended their home invincibility.
The history of this rivalry is evenly balanced, with Delta Queens winning four of the last ten meetings, Bayelsa Queens winning three, and three matches ending in draws. Both teams will be eager to claim bragging rights in what promises to be a tightly contested battle.
With crucial points at stake and unbeaten records on the line, Matchday Nine of the NWFL Premiership promises high-intensity action across all venues.
The biggest tests await Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, and Bayelsa Queens as they seek to maintain their dominance away from home.