The 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership resumes on Wednesday, January 7, after the Christmas and New Year break, with Matchday Five offering a defining set of fixtures across Groups A and B.
As the season settles into rhythm, Matchday Five represents a critical checkpoint. Teams chasing Super Six qualification will look to consolidate strong starts, while others fighting to avoid early relegation trouble know points are becoming increasingly valuable.
The round is headlined by a fiery South–South derby in Uyo, where defending champions Bayelsa Queens face Ibom Angels.
GROUP A
Adamawa Queens vs Rivers Angels — Makwada
Adamawa Queens return home eager to respond after suffering their first defeat of the season, a setback that briefly slowed what had been a promising start. With two wins, one draw, and one loss, the Makwada-based side have shown resilience and attacking intent, but now face the sternest test possible.
Standing in their way are Rivers Angels, the league’s most consistent side in recent years and one of the early pacesetters this season. The Port Harcourt giants are unbeaten and boast a 100 percent record from their opening three matches.
History offers little comfort to Adamawa Queens — Rivers Angels completed a dominant double last season, winning by an overwhelming 8–1 aggregate, underlining their superiority. Adamawa must be near-perfect defensively to avoid a repeat.
Ibom Angels vs Bayelsa Queens — Uyo
The marquee fixture of Matchday Five takes centre stage in Uyo as Ibom Angels host defending champions Bayelsa Queens in a highly anticipated South–South showdown.
Ibom Angels have experienced a mixed campaign so far, recording one win, one draw, and two defeats, but have shown they are capable of frustrating stronger opponents at home. Bayelsa Queens, however, arrive with authority, having won all three of their matches so far.
The champions have edged recent meetings, winning two of the last three, including a convincing 3–0 victory last season. Yet, Ibom Angels will draw confidence from the fact that Bayelsa were held to a goalless draw on their last visit to Uyo, setting the stage for a tightly contested encounter.
Ekiti Queens vs Naija Ratels FC — Abeokuta
Both Ekiti Queens and Naija Ratels FC are desperate to break their winless runs when they meet in Abeokuta, making this one of the most emotionally charged fixtures of the round.
Banished Ekiti Queens have endured a difficult opening spell, collecting just one point from three matches. Defensive lapses have proven costly, but the return home presents a chance to reset.
Naija Ratels FC have also struggled for consistency, despite showing flashes of attacking promise. They were agonisingly close to ending their drought before surrendering a two-goal lead in a 2–2 draw against Heartland Queens, a result that summed up their season so far. This fixture could swing either way and the outcome may define both teams’ campaigns.
Pacesetter Queens vs Heartland Queens — Ibadan
For debutants Pacesetter Queens, the challenge remains steep as they welcome Heartland Queens to Ibadan for a historic first meeting.
Pacesetter Queens are still without a point after four straight defeats, but their youthful squad continues to gain valuable top-flight experience.
Heartland Queens arrive with a more balanced record of one win, one draw, and one loss, and will view this as an opportunity to build momentum. However, pressure rests firmly on the visitors, as failure to capitalise could shift the narrative of their season.
GROUP B
Confluence Queens vs Osun Babes –
This fixture marks the first meeting between Confluence Queens and Osun Babes since the 2021/22 season, renewing a rivalry with fresh stakes.
Confluence Queens have endured a difficult run, losing three consecutive matches after opening the campaign with a spirited 2–2 draw against Abia Angels.
Defensive fragility has plagued their performances, and confidence is clearly fragile. Osun Babes, meanwhile, have quietly steadied their campaign, recording one win, two draws, and one loss. With momentum building, they will be targeting their first away victory of the season.
Delta Queens vs Dannaz Ladies — Asaba
A new top-flight chapter will be written at the Stephen Keshi Stadium as Delta Queens host Dannaz Ladies for the first time in NWFL Premiership history.
Both teams have struggled to find consistency, alternating between promising displays and costly lapses. Delta Queens will rely on home support in Asaba to rediscover stability, while Dannaz Ladies —energetic and fearless — will aim to unsettle their hosts. This fixture presents a chance for either side to reset their campaign and establish a clearer identity.
Remo Stars Ladies vs Nasarawa Amazons — Ikenne
One of the most evenly matched contests of Matchday Five unfolds in Ikenne as Remo Stars Ladies host Nasarawa Amazons.
Both sides remain unbeaten, each recording two wins and two draws, and are firmly in the Super Six conversation. Nasarawa Amazons, last season’s runners-up, bring experience and tactical discipline, while Remo Stars Ladies have impressed with organisation and intensity. Their goalless draw at last season’s Super Six highlights how evenly matched these teams are and another chess-like battle is expected.
FC Robo Queens vs Ahudiyannem Queens — Lagos
FC Robo Queens will look to maintain their perfect start when they host Ahudiyannem Queens in Lagos.
Robo Queens boast the longest winning streak in the league, having won all four matches played so far. Their pressing game and attacking efficiency have made them early title contenders. Ahudiyannem Queens, on the other hand, are still searching for their first-ever NWFL victory, with two draws and two losses. While the form book favours Robo, Ahudiyannem will be eager to make history.
Abia Angels vs Sunshine Queens – Aba
Both Abia Angels and Sunshine Queens head into this fixture on level footing, each recording one win, two draws, and one defeat.
Their recent meetings have been closely contested, often decided by narrow margins or moments of individual brilliance. With neither side able to pull away in the standings, this match could prove pivotal in shaping the middle of Group B.
With pride, pressure, and Super Six ambitions driving every contest, Matchday Five promises drama, intensity, and defining moments as the NWFL Premiership roars back into action across Nigeria.