The 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership kicked off in spectacular fashion on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, with eight thrilling fixtures across the country.
Defending champions Edo Queens and newcomers FC Robo Queens delivered standout performances, setting the tone for a highly competitive season.
Edo Queens Thrash Abia Angels 5-0
The opening Star Match, broadcast live on TV under the floodlights, saw Edo Queens dominate Abia Angels with a resounding 5-0 victory at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Miracle Usani wasted no time, scoring one of the fastest goals of the season against her former club. Emem Essien doubled the lead in the 34th minute, before Goodness Osigwe, Loveth Edeh, and Kafayat Mafisere added further goals, sealing a comprehensive win for the Benin side.
Remo Stars Comeback to Beat Confluence Queens
Remo Stars Ladies made an incredible second-half comeback to defeat Confluence Queens 3-1 away in Anyigba. Confluence took the lead in the 25th minute thanks to Idayat Olanrewaju’s goal, but Remo Stars’ coach Wemimo Mathew orchestrated a tactical turnaround at halftime.
Olasubomi Ogundele pulled one back in the 48th minute, followed by quick goals from Oluwaseyi Arubo and Olamide Bolaji, ensuring all three points for Remo Stars.
Ekiti Queens and Nasarawa Amazons Secure Narrow Wins
Ekiti Queens kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 win over Heartland Queens in Ado Ekiti. Odunayo Olaleye’s goal proved to be the match-winner.
Check out my long range goal yesterday against Dannaz Ladies in the NWFL Premiership . #NWFLPremiership25 #NWFL25 pic.twitter.com/fsoIpX328o
— Rukayat Shobowale (@ShobowaleOlush2) January 16, 2025
Meanwhile, Nasarawa Amazons defeated Dannaz Ladies 1-0 in Lafia, with Shola Shobowale scoring the late goal that sealed the win.
FC Robo Queens Impress in Historic Win
FC Robo Queens made a dominant debut in the NWFL Premiership, crushing Benue Queens 5-1 in their first-ever appearance. Favour Nwokocha’s early goal and a brace from Tosin Rafiu put the visitors in control.
Although Annastasia Emefo’s penalty gave Benue a brief moment of hope, Kemi Adegbuyi and Mariam Yahaya sealed the win for FC Robo, who top Group B after Matchday 1.
South-South Derby Drama: Bayelsa and Rivers Win
In the South-South derbies, Bayelsa Queens survived a tough challenge from Delta Queens to secure a 1-0 win in Yenagoa. Sefiat Idris scored the decisive goal late in the match.
In another tense encounter, Rivers Angels edged Ibom Angels 2-1 in Port Harcourt. An early own goal from Helen Daniels gave Rivers the lead, but Joy Michael equalized with another own goal for Ibom Angels.
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However, Rivers came through with a 78th-minute goal from Ifeoma Ikenokwalu, securing all three points.
Northern Derby Ends in a Draw
The Northern Derby between Naija Ratels and Adamawa Queens ended in a 1-1 draw in Gombe. After Tunmininu Adeshina’s opener for Naija Ratels, Injimaco Mnunenge equalized for Adamawa in the second half, ensuring both teams shared the points.
Group Leaders: Edo Queens and FC Robo Queens
After the opening round of fixtures, Edo Queens lead Group A and FC Robo Queens sit atop Group B, both with five goals to their name.
NWFL Group A table
NWFL Group B table
The season promises plenty more thrilling action as teams battle for supremacy.
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
With such an exciting start to the season, fans can look forward to more intense competition as the 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership continues to unfold.
