NWFL Premiership Kicks Off With Thrilling Matches Across Nigeria.
The 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership commenced with a flourish on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, featuring eight exhilarating fixtures spread across various venues nationwide. The opening spectacle, broadcast live on TV under floodlights, was the highly anticipated Star Match, where defending champions Edo Queens delivered a commanding performance, defeating Abia Angels 5-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
The match was set alight early on when Miracle Usani, playing against her former team, scored one of the quickest goals of the season just minutes into the game. Emem Essien doubled the lead in the 34th minute, paving the way for further goals from Goodness Osigwe, Loveth Edeh, and Kafayat Mafisere, securing a comprehensive victory for the Benin Arsenals.
In another thrilling encounter, Remo Stars Ladies staged a remarkable second-half comeback to overcome Confluence Queens with a 3-1 win away in Anyimgba. Despite Idayat Olanrewaju giving the hosts the lead in the 25th minute, Wemimo Mathew’s tactical acumen at the break inspired a resurgence. Olasubomi Ogundele narrowed the gap in the 48th minute, with Olwaseyi Arubo and Olamide Bolaji sealing the turnaround and the three points for Remo Stars.
The action continued as Ekiti Queens secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Heartland Queens in Ado Ekiti, thanks to a decisive goal from Odunayo Olaleye. Meanwhile, in Lafia, Nasarawa Amazons clinched a 1-0 win against Dannaz Ladies with a late strike from Shola Shobowale.
FC Robo Queens made a dominant entry into the league, crushing Benue Queens 5-1 in Lafia during their first-ever NWFL appearance. Favour Nwokocha’s early goal and a brace from Tosin Rafiu put the visitors in command, although a penalty from Annastasia Emefo offered Benue Queens a brief glimmer of hope. However, Kemi Adegbuyi and Mariam Yahaya rounded off the win, positioning FC Robo Queens at the top of Group B after the first matchday.
In the South-South derbies, Bayelsa Queens narrowly defeated Delta Queens 1-0 in Yenagoa, courtesy of a late goal from Sefiat Idris. Rivers Angels also emerged victorious, edging out Ibom Angels 2-1 in Port Harcourt. An own goal by Helen Daniels gave Rivers the lead, which was briefly equalized by an own goal from Joy Michael, before Ifeoma Ikenokwalu’s 78th-minute strike secured the win for Rivers.
The Northern Derby between Naija Ratels and Adamawa Queens ended in a 1-1 draw in Gombe, with quickfire goals in the second half from Tunmininu Adeshina and Injimaco Mnuenenge ensuring both teams shared the points.
With both Edo Queens and FC Robo Queens scoring five goals each, they sit atop Group A and Group B respectively, as the 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership season sets the stage for more exciting football action in the rounds to come.
Matchday 1 Results:
Edo Queens 5-0 Abia Angels
Confluence Queens 1-3 Remo Stars
Ekiti Queens 1-0 Heartland Queens
Nasarawa Amazons 1-0 Dannaz Ladies
FC Robo Queens 5-1 Benue Queens
Bayelsa Queens 1-0 Delta Queens
Rivers Angels 2-1 Ibom Angels
Naija Ratels 1-1 Adamawa Queens
The 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership season promises even more thrilling action as the competition intensifies.
