Matchday 12 action in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) delivered everything from stunning comebacks to dominant performances and intense relegation battles, as teams across both groups fought for crucial points.
A total of 23 goals were scored, underlining the attacking quality and high stakes at this stage of the season.
Goals, Drama and Statement Wins Mark Explosive Start to Jagaban Cup 2026
Ibom Angels 3-1 Adamawa Queens: Okocha Inspires Comeback in Uyo
Ibom Angels returned to winning ways in front of their home fans in Uyo with a spirited comeback victory over Adamawa Queens.
The visitors struck first in the 11th minute when captain Omon Afensimi produced a composed finish from outside the box to silence the home crowd. Adamawa Queens looked confident early on and even forced the first corner of the match, although it came to nothing.
Ibom Angels gradually grew into the game, with Mercy Otuu testing the goalkeeper from range in the 17th minute. The breakthrough came just before halftime when Mariam Okocha showed great composure, controlling the ball in stride before delicately chipping the goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1.
Okocha turned the game around in the 55th minute, calmly converting from the penalty spot after a clear handball decision. The forward nearly completed a sensational hat trick in the 68th minute with an audacious attempt from the center circle, but the goalkeeper recovered just in time.
The win was sealed in the 75th minute when new signing Eunice Ezeani finished clinically from Juliet John’s assist, driving the ball into the near post.
The victory takes Ibom Angels to 14 points, keeping them fifth on the table, while Adamawa Queens remain fourth with 16 points despite the defeat.
Edo Queens 2-0 Ekiti Queens: Champions Maintain Pressure
In Benin City, Edo Queens delivered a professional first-half performance to secure a 2-0 win over Ekiti Queens.
Rebecca Adegbemile opened the scoring in the 26th minute before Atume Doosuur doubled the lead just before halftime. The result keeps Edo Queens firmly in second place in Group A with 27 points, while Ekiti Queens remain seventh with 10 points.
Rivers Angels 2-0 Pacesetter Queens: Early Blitz Keeps Leaders on Top
Rivers Angels wasted no time asserting dominance in Port Harcourt, with Grace Saliu scoring twice within the opening 15 minutes.
Her early brace proved decisive as the league leaders comfortably saw out the game to maintain top spot with 27 points from 10 matches.
Bayelsa Queens 5-0 Naija Ratels: Champions Respond in Style
Defending champions Bayelsa Queens delivered the most emphatic performance of the matchday, thrashing Naija Ratels 5-0 in Yenagoa.
An own goal by Andy Faith set the tone before Delight Isaac added a second just before halftime. Vera Samuel extended the lead early in the second half, and Kesiena Ojiyovwi’s late brace completed the rout.
The result marks a statement response after their previous setback and means Bayelsa Queens have now beaten Naija Ratels 10-0 on aggregate this season. They remain third with 24 points and firmly on course for a Super Six spot.
Naija Ratels, meanwhile, continue to struggle at the bottom, with just five points from 11 matches in what has been a difficult campaign after last season’s Super Six appearance.
Remo Stars Ladies 1-1 Confluence Queens: Home Struggles Continue
Remo Stars Ladies endured another frustrating afternoon at home in Ikenne, drawing 1-1 with struggling Confluence Queens.
Aishat Animashaun gave the hosts the lead in the 35th minute, but Marvelous John equalized shortly after the break.
The result marks a second consecutive gae out home without victory and sees Remo Stars Ladies slip out of the Super Six qualification places, now sitting fourth with 20 points. Confluence Queens remain ninth with 11 points.
Delta Queens 3-2 FC Robo Queens: Goalkeeping Errors Cost Visitors
In Asaba, Delta Queens capitalized on defensive lapses to edge FC Robo Queens 3-2 in a thrilling encounter.
Despite FC Robo Queens taking the lead twice through Kemi Adegbuyi and Esther Onyenezide, Delta Queens fought back each time. Goals from Princess Adams, Norah Davies, and Anastasia Terfa secured the win.
While Robo Queens still top Group B with 25 points, the defeat exposes defensive vulnerabilities. Delta Queens strengthen their position in fifth with 16 points.
Osun Babes 0-1 Abia Angels: Away Side Deepens Crisis
Osun Babes suffered a second consecutive home defeat, losing 1-0 to Abia Angels.
Blessing Okon’s 54th-minute strike proved decisive, while Super Falcons invitee Fatimoh Oloko impressed again with a clean sheet.
The result highlights Osun Babes’ struggles following recent changes in the technical crew, leaving them 10th with nine points. Abia Angels climb to third as they push for Super Six qualification.
Nasarawa Amazons 0-0 Ahudiyannem Queens: Gritty Battle in Lafia
Ahudiyannem Queens continued their resurgence with a disciplined performance to hold Nasarawa Amazons to a goalless draw in Lafia.
The visitors have become one of the most difficult teams to break down in the second round and are steadily moving away from the relegation zone. Nasarawa Amazons remain second in Group B with 23 points, while Ahudiyannem Queens sit seventh with 12 points.
Dannaz Ladies 2-1 Sunshine Queens: Ajoke Turns Derby Around
In Lagos, Dannaz Ladies staged a crucial comeback to defeat Sunshine Queens 2-1 in a tense Southwest derby.
Sunshine Queens took the lead through Idika Chigozie in the 23rd minute, but Idris Ajoke emerged as the hero for the hosts. She equalized in the 63rd minute before completing her brace in the 75th minute to secure all three points.
The win lifts Dannaz Ladies to seventh with 13 points, while Sunshine Queens drop to eighth as the relegation battle intensifies.
Nigerian Refereeing Icon Sani Zubairu Dies, NFRA Mourns a Towering Leader
Matchday Summary: Goals, Drama, and Shifting Stakes
With 23 goals recorded, this matchday showcased the attacking flair and competitive intensity of the NWFL.
Rivers Angels continue to set the pace, Edo Queens and Bayelsa Queens remain firmly in the title conversation, while the race for Super Six qualification grows tighter. At the other end, the relegation battle in Group B is becoming increasingly fierce, with every point proving vital.
As the season progresses, the margins grow thinner, and the pressure continues to mount across all fronts.
Feature Image Credit: Dannaz Ladies Media
