Benue Queens Celebrate Historic First Point As Edo, Bayelsa, And Rivers Remain Unbeaten In NWFL Premiership.
In an exhilarating round of fixtures on Matchday 10 of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership, debutants Benue Queens marked a significant milestone by securing their first-ever point in the country’s top flight. Meanwhile, reigning champions Edo Queens, alongside Bayelsa Queens and Rivers Angels, continued their unbeaten streaks, solidifying their positions as title contenders in a fiercely competitive season. The matches, played on Wednesday, 2 April 2025, showcased the rising strength and excitement of women’s football in Nigeria.
Benue Queens, newcomers to the Premiership after their promotion last season, had endured a challenging start, suffering nine consecutive defeats. However, their fortunes turned in a thrilling encounter against Delta Queens at the Lafia City Stadium. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Benue Queens showing resilience to hold off their more experienced opponents.
Comfort Saawua’s late strike had seemed a mere consolation in a previous 8-1 thrashing by FC Robo Queens, but this time, it was a moment of triumph as the team celebrated a hard-fought point. The result offers a glimmer of hope for the side as they battle to avoid relegation.
Elsewhere, defending champions Edo Queens maintained their impeccable form with a commanding 2-0 victory over Heartland Queens in Benin City. Goodness Osigwe, a standout performer this season, once again proved her worth, netting a brace to secure the win.
The result keeps Edo Queens firmly in the hunt for back-to-back titles, their unbeaten run now stretching to ten matches. Manager Moses Aduku praised his squad’s consistency, saying, “We’re building something special here, and the girls are showing their quality week in, week out.”
Bayelsa Queens also kept their perfect record intact, dispatching Ibom Angels 3-0 at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa. The Prosperity Girls were in scintillating form, with goals from Vera Samuel, Cynthia Mega, and Rose Ekong sealing a comprehensive victory.
The win ensures Bayelsa remain neck-and-neck with their South-South rivals, Rivers Angels, in Group B. Speaking after the match, head coach Domo Okara lauded his team’s attacking prowess, noting, “We’re clicking at the right time, and this momentum is crucial as we push for the Super Six.”
Rivers Angels, seven-time champions, continued their own unbeaten campaign with a 2-0 triumph over Naija Ratels in Port Harcourt. Olamide Adugbe’s late strike in a previous Super Six clash had showcased their knack for decisive moments, and this time, the Jewels of Rivers delivered another clinical performance. Chinwe Akabike and Florence Alexander found the net, keeping Rivers Angels level on points with Bayelsa Queens at the top of their group.
Manager Tosan Blankson expressed confidence in his side’s title credentials, stating, “We’ve got the experience and the firepower to go all the way.”
Other results from Matchday 10 saw Remo Stars Ladies edge out Ekiti Queens 1-0 in Ikenne, thanks to Olamide Bolaji’s solitary goal, while Nasarawa Amazons secured a 2-0 win over Abia Angels in Lafia. Confluence Queens and Dannaz Ladies played out a goalless draw, a result that does little to ease the former’s relegation fears. The day’s action underscored the competitive nature of the 2024/25 NWFL Premiership, with every point proving vital in the race for the Super Six playoffs.
As the season progresses, the spotlight remains on the unbeaten trio of Edo Queens, Bayelsa Queens, and Rivers Angels, each showcasing the depth and talent that have made them perennial powerhouses. For Benue Queens, their historic point could be the spark they need to turn their campaign around.
With the hashtag #WomenFootballRising trending across social media, the NWFL Premiership continues to captivate fans and elevate the profile of women’s football in Nigeria. The next round of fixtures promises more drama as the battle for supremacy intensifies.