As the 2023/24 NWFL Premiership season enters its final stretch, all eyes are on Matchday 12 on Wednesday, a crucial round that could determine the remaining contenders for the Super Six Playoffs.
With only three regular-season games left, Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, and Bayelsa Queens have already punched their tickets to the playoffs, leaving three more spots up for grabs.
Matchday 12 also doubles as a reverse fixture of Matchday 4, the pressure mounts for teams – Remo Stars Ladies, Robo Queens and Nasarawa Amazons still in the hunt for a postseason berth.
The battle for Super Six places is setting the stage for a dramatic weekend of rematches and high-stakes encounters.
Group A Previews
Edo Queens vs Dannaz Ladies
Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City
Key Stat: Edo Queens are unbeaten in their last 11 matches.
Already qualified and unbeaten in 11 games, Edo Queens host struggling Dannaz Ladies in Benin City. The hosts are also on a 14-match invincible run across two seasons, showing why they remain title favourites. Despite having nothing but pride to play for, Edo Queens will aim to extend their dominance at home, where they’ve dropped points only once this season (1-1 vs Remo Stars).
Dannaz Ladies, meanwhile, are still searching for their first win in nine games. Though their last clash with Edo ended 1-1 in Lagos, they’ll need more than resilience to upset the Benin powerhouse on their turf.
Ekiti Queens vs Nasarawa Amazons
Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan
Key Stat: Ekiti Queens are winless in six games.
Ekiti Queens finally halted their five-game losing streak with a 1-1 draw at Dannaz Ladies last week. Back at home, they hope to rediscover their early-season form. However, Nasarawa Amazons—gunning for a Super Six spot—pose a serious threat.
The Solid Babes claimed a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture and will aim to replicate that result against a side that has lost their last two home games at two different venues.
Confluence Queens vs Abia Angels
Venue: Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ayingba
Key Stat: Confluence Queens have only one win all season.
Confluence Queens have endured a torrid campaign but have shown slight improvement recently, breaking a seven-match losing streak with a win and a draw in their last four. They’ll be desperate to give their fans something to cheer about in Ayingba.
Abia Angels, on the other hand, are in playoff contention and will be looking to maintain their upward trajectory. With a reverse fixture 3-0 win in their pocket, they enter this one as strong favourites despite poor away form (1 win in 5).
Heartland Queens vs Remo Stars Ladies
Venue: Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri
Key Stat: Remo Stars Ladies beat Heartland 4-1 in the reverse fixture.
Heartland Queens are a shadow of the team that made last season’s playoffs. With just two wins in 11 games, both at home, they’ll need to dig deep to take anything from this match.
Remo Stars Ladies suffered their first home loss of the season last week but have been impressive on the road with three away wins. They’ll aim to complete the double over Heartland after their emphatic 4-1 win in Ikenne earlier this season.
Group B Previews
Rivers Angels vs Delta Queens
Venue: Adokiye Stadium, Port Harcourt
Key Stat: Rivers Angels are unbeaten at home this season.
It’s a South-South showdown as high-flying Rivers Angels host Delta Queens. Already through to the Super Six, Rivers Angels have won four of five at home, with their only dropped points coming in a 1-1 draw against Bayelsa Queens.
Delta Queens, who missed the playoffs last season, are still in the hunt but need to improve their away record (0 wins in 5). They lost 2-1 in the reverse fixture and must step up to avoid another setback.
Adamawa Queens vs Bayelsa Queens
Venue: Adamawa Township Stadium, Numan
Key Stat: Bayelsa Queens remain unbeaten this season.
Adamawa Queens have struggled to settle at their new home in Numan, with two losses already. They face an uphill task against unbeaten Bayelsa Queens, who boast three away wins and are full of confidence after a 3-0 win in the reverse fixture.
The Prosperity Girls are on a mission to reclaim the title and will be favourites again, even on the road.
Benue Queens vs Ibom Angels
Venue: Lafia
Key Stat: Benue Queens have lost 9 of 11 games this season.
Benue Queens’ debut season has been nightmarish. Despite finally getting a point against Delta Queens, they quickly reverted to losing ways with a 2-0 defeat to Bayelsa Queens.
Ibom Angels haven’t fared much better away from home, losing all five games on the road. However, they’ll hope to double up on their earlier 1-0 win against Benue and boost their playoff hopes.
Naija Ratels vs FC Robo Queens
Venue: Bwari Township Stadium, Abuja
Key Stat: Naija Ratels are unbeaten at home.
This could be a thriller in Abuja. Naija Ratels are solid at home with three wins and two draws and will look to bounce back from back-to-back away defeats.
FC Robo Queens are on a resurgence, winning three straight to revive their playoff dreams. They’ve had mixed away results (2 wins, 3 losses) but will remember their dramatic 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture as a confidence booster, with a Super Six ticket to clinch.
⚽ What’s at Stake?
With only three spots left in the Super Six and the table tightening, every point from Matchday 12 could shape the postseason picture. Will we see upsets? Can underdogs rise? Or will the big guns continue their dominance?
Let the battle for the playoffs begin. 🔥