The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership resumes this midweek with nine crucial fixtures as the second stanza begins across the country. Clubs from Ibadan to Benin City and Aba to Ikenne have once again drawn the battle lines as they pursue two very different ambitions. While some teams are pushing for coveted Super Six qualification, others are fighting desperately to stay afloat in the top flight.
With the first stanza completed, the pressure has intensified across both groups. While teams in the relegation zone must immediately begin their recovery, title contenders aim to solidify their positions.
Here is a detailed look at the Matchday 10 fixtures and what to expect from each encounter.
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Pacesetters Queens vs Adamawa Queens
In Ibadan, Pacesetters Queens face one of their most important matches of the season. The Oluyole-based side endured a miserable first stanza, collecting just one point from eight matches. They remain the only team in the league yet to record a victory this season.
If they are to keep their Premiership survival hopes alive, their revival must begin immediately. Standing in their way are Adamawa Queens, one of the most in-form sides in the league this season.
Adamawa Queens currently sit fourth on the table with 13 points and will arrive in Ibadan confident of securing another positive result on the road. The reverse fixture in Makurdi ended in a comfortable 2–0 win for Adamawa Queens, with Ifeoma Damian and Mary Sunday scoring second-half goals.
For Pacesetters Queens, anything less than a victory could push their season closer to collapse.
Ekiti Queens vs Heartland Queens
Ekiti Queens will play their final home match in Abeokuta after temporarily relocating due to stadium issues. The BAO Ladies will be eager to bid farewell to the venue with a victory that could boost their survival hopes.
Their time in Abeokuta has produced mixed results, with one win and one defeat. They currently sit sixth on the table with seven points.
Heartland Queens arrive with a positive mindset, having achieved one of the season’s biggest results. The Owerri side ended the unbeaten run of defending champions Bayelsa Queens with a stunning 3–1 victory in their final first-stanza match.
With 11 points and sitting fifth on the table, Heartland Queens will be looking to continue their upward momentum.
The reverse fixture was equally dramatic. Ekiti Queens took the lead through Amarachi Okoronkwo, who scored the fastest goal of the season in the third minute. However, Heartland Queens fought back through Chizoba Johnson and Emanuella James to claim a 2–1 victory.
Ibom Angels vs Naija Ratels
Ibom Angels have endured a difficult campaign so far. With just two wins, one draw, and five defeats, the Uyo-based club finds itself dangerously close to the relegation zone.
They will be hoping to turn their fortunes around as they begin the second stanza at home.
Their opponents, the Naija Ratels, have also struggled this season. The Abuja side sits eighth on the table with five points from eight matches, making this encounter a crucial survival battle for both teams.
When the two teams met earlier in the season, the match ended in a goalless draw. Both sides will now be desperate to secure the three points that could provide momentum for the remainder of the campaign.
Edo Queens vs Bayelsa Queens
One of the most anticipated fixtures of the round will take place in Benin City as former champions Edo Queens host defending champions Bayelsa Queens.
Their first meeting earlier this season delivered drama, controversy, and goals, making it one of the standout matches of the opening round.
Heartland Queens shocked Bayelsa Queens in the final match of the first stanza, ending their impressive unbeaten run. The Prosperity Girls’ loss shows they’re not invincible, and their rivals will be ready to pounce.
Bayelsa Queens currently lead Group A with 21 points, while Edo Queens remain one of the strongest challengers in the group.
Beyond the points, there is also an added storyline. Edo Queens’ head coach previously worked with Bayelsa Queens, adding another layer of intrigue to the clash.
With Super Six qualification approaching, both teams will want to assert dominance early in the second stanza.
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Abia Angels vs Confluence Queens
Abia Angels have quietly enjoyed an impressive campaign so far. With 17 points from nine matches, they have positioned themselves as serious contenders for a Super Six ticket.
They now welcome Confluence Queens to Aba in what could be another opportunity to strengthen their standing.
Confluence Queens have struggled this season, managing just six points from nine matches. Their defensive struggles have been particularly worrying, having conceded 18 goals while scoring only eight.
The first meeting between the two teams ended in a thrilling 2–2 draw. Confluence Queens felt aggrieved by the officiating in that encounter, believing they were denied a potential victory.
Akosile Mary and Blessing Sunday scored for Confluence Queens in that match, while Funmilayo Adefuye and Blessing Okon found the net for Abia Angels.
FC Robo Queens vs Sunshine Queens
FC Robo Queens began the season strongly and remain one of the most consistent teams in Group B. They currently lead the group with 21 points despite suffering defeats in two matches before the break.
The Lagos-based club defeated Sunshine Queens 1–0 in their first meeting in Akure thanks to a goal from Marvellous Oladunni.
However, Sunshine Queens have improved significantly since that loss. The Akure side responded with strong performances, winning important home matches and securing valuable away points to finish the first stanza with 11 points in fifth place.
With both teams showing strong form recently, this rematch promises to be highly competitive.
Remo Stars Ladies vs Ahudiyannem Queens
Remo Stars Ladies began the season slowly but gradually found their rhythm as the first stanza progressed. They eventually climbed to second place in Group B with 18 points.
Their opponents, Ahudiyannem Queens, are experiencing the harsh realities of life in the top flight, struggling to adapt to the competitive nature of the league and facing challenges such as injuries and lack of experience. The debutants currently sit at the bottom of the table with five points from nine matches.
Although the first meeting between both sides ended in a goalless draw, Remo Stars Ladies will be determined to secure a victory this time, especially in front of their home supporters in Ikenne.
Delta Queens vs Nasarawa Amazons
Delta Queens have been one of the most unpredictable teams this season. Despite being former champions, their performances have fluctuated throughout the campaign.
Even a change in coaching staff has not significantly improved their results. With 11 points from nine matches, their position remains uncertain.
They now face a major test against Nasarawa Amazons, who currently occupy third place with 18 points.
When the two sides met earlier in the season, Delta Queens took the lead through Nora Davies but eventually lost 2–1. Olushola Shobowale and Hembafan Ayatsea scored the comeback goals for the Nasarawa Amazons.
Delta Queens will need a strong performance if they hope to revive their Super Six ambitions.
Osun Babes vs Dannaz Ladies
The Southwest derby in Ile Ogbo could prove decisive in the relegation battle.
Osun Babes sit seventh on the table with nine points, while Dannaz Ladies are just behind them in eighth place with seven points. Both teams understand that dropping points in this fixture could have serious consequences.
Dannaz Ladies have struggled defensively this season, conceding 20 goals in nine matches, which is the worst defensive record in the league.
Their first meeting was one of the most entertaining games of the season. A late goal gave Dannaz Ladies a thrilling 3–2 victory. Fatima Sholaty, Korie Ulumma, and Ajoke Akinbo scored for Dannaz Ladies, while Sharon Shomuyiwa and Robiat Taofeeq found the net for Osun Babes.
With survival at stake, another intense encounter is expected.
A Pivotal Matchday for the NWFL Premiership
As the second stanza begins, every point becomes more valuable. Teams chasing the Super Six will want to create early momentum, while those battling relegation must fight for survival with renewed urgency.
Matchday 10 promises drama, intensity, and defining moments across the country as the Nigeria Women Football League Premiership enters a decisive phase of the season.
Feature Image Credit: Remo Stars Ladies Media
