The second South-South derby of the 2024/25 NWFL Premiership Super Six brings two traditional powerhouses—Rivers Angels and Edo Queens—head-to-head in a pivotal Matchday 2 encounter.
Set for Monday, this fixture could significantly shape the title ambitions of both teams as they look to bounce back from opening-day defeats.
Two Giants, One Goal: Redemption
Both Rivers Angels and Edo Queens entered the Super Six as strong title contenders, but suffered early setbacks:
- Rivers Angels lost 1-0 to regional rivals Bayelsa Queens.
- Edo Queens, the defending league champions, fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against debutants Remo Stars Ladies.
Now, both teams head into this derby desperate for not just a win, but momentum and points to remain in the hunt for the league title.
A Rivalry Rich in History
While both teams are elite forces in Nigerian women’s football, it is Rivers Angels who have historically dominated the fixture. From the last seven encounters in all competitions:
- Rivers Angels Wins: 4
- Edo Queens Wins: 1
- Draws: 2
Their last meeting in the 2023/24 Super Six saw Rivers Angels emerge 2-1 winners, with goals from Florence Alexander and an own goal by Valentina Uroko, despite a spirited response from Emem Essien.
That match was notably Edo Queens’ only loss during their title-winning campaign in Yenagoa.
Adding to the narrative, Rivers Angels went on to defeat the champions 4-1 in the 2024 President Federation Cup Round of 16, underlining their dominance in recent meetings.
Recent Head-to-Head Record
| Season | Fixture | Result | Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020/21 | Edo Queens 1-1 Rivers Angels | Zirike 88′ | Ikechukwu 79′ |
| 2020/21 Super 6 | Rivers Angels 4-0 Edo Queens | Ikechukwu 10′, Ogebe 31′, Ikhehua 44′, 87′ | |
| 2021/22 Super 6 | Edo Queens 0-0 Rivers Angels | — | |
| 2023/24 | Rivers Angels 3-1 Edo Queens | Ezekiel 6′, 74′, Okwuchukwu 80′ | Abideen 36′ |
| 2023/24 | Edo Queens 4-1 Rivers Angels | Osigwe 7′, 8′, 57′, Onuorha 79′ | Effiong 23′ |
| 2023/24 Super 6 | Edo Queens 1-2 Rivers Angels | Essien 32′ | Alexander 10′, Uroko (O.G) 30′ |
| 2024 President Cup R16 | Edo Queens 1-4 Rivers Angels | — | — |
Key Players to Watch
Rivers Angels
- Ifeoma Ikenokwalu – A game-changer on the flanks with crucial goals in key matches.
- Titilayo Aweda – Known for her fine performance in past meetings; a threat from range.
- Mary Moses – A long-time derby performer with a habit of scoring early.
Edo Queens
- Goodness Osigwe – Scored a memorable hat-trick in a 4-1 thrashing of Rivers Angels last season.
- Emem Essien – A midfield dynamo and set-piece specialist.
- Chioma Moses – Adds power and directness to the frontline.
Tactical Outlook
This derby may be defined by urgency and fine margins. Rivers Angels will likely seek to control possession and press from the front, while Edo Queens could look to exploit wide areas and transition play through their fast attackers.
The game will also be a tactical chess match between two of the most experienced benches in the NWFL, both eager to get their campaigns back on track.
What’s at Stake
This is more than just regional bragging rights. With both teams needing their first Super Six points:
- A win could propel either side back into contention for the title.
- A loss would leave them with a mountain to climb, especially in such a short round-robin playoff format.
Final Thoughts
A derby with high stakes, strong history, and big names—Rivers Angels vs Edo Queens has all the ingredients for a blockbuster. Expect intensity, drama, and goals as two wounded giants clash with everything to play for.
| Fixture | Result | Scorers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020/21 | Edo Queens 1-1 Rivers Angels | Zirike 88′ | Ikechukwu 79′ |
| 2020/21 Super 6 | Rivers Angels 4-0 Edo Queens | Ikechukwu 10′, Ogebe 31′, Ikhehua 44′, 87′ | |
| 2021/22 Super 6 | Edo Queens 0-0 Rivers Angels | — | |
| 2023/24 | Rivers Angels 3-1 Edo Queens | Ezekiel 6′, 74′, Okwuchukwu 80′ | Abideen 36′ |
| 2023/24 | Edo Queens 4-1 Rivers Angels | Osigwe 7′, 8′, 57′, Onuorha 79′ | Effiong 23′ |
| 2023/24 Super 6 | Edo Queens 1-2 Rivers Angels | Essien 32′ | Alexander 10′, Uroko (O.G) 30′ |
| 2024 President Cup R16 | Edo Queens 1-4 Rivers Angels | — | — |