Imo Striker Queens and Sunshine Queens made statement victories as the 2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship kicked off across Abiriba and Umuahia.
In Abiriba, Imo Striker Queens powered to the top of Group B2 with a commanding 4-0 win over Delta Babes. The encounter, halted in the 71st minute due to heavy rain on Saturday, resumed with the scoreline intact, confirming a flawless start for coach Nelly Orisakwe’s side.
Osinachi Ugbala broke the deadlock before Pattra Oparanmegwa netted a superb hat-trick to underline Imo Striker’s dominance.
Elsewhere in the same centre, Ghetto Tigers Ladies and Moje Queens played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. Jade Ebube put Ghetto Tigers ahead, Tawa Mustapha equalised for Moje Queens, while Mary Atume briefly handed the Kwara side the lead before Chidera Isaiah restored parity just two minutes later. Both teams sit behind Imo Striker Queens with a point each.
In Umuahia, Sunshine Queens shone brightly against Fortress Ladies in another rain-interrupted contest. Goals from Oluwabunmi Adenuga and Mirabel Irabor established a 2-0 halftime cushion, with Precious Edewor adding a penalty in the 61st minute to seal a 3-0 victory.
The result lifts Sunshine Queens to the summit of Group A2, ahead of Kwara Ladies and Unification FC, who settled for a goalless draw in Abiriba.