The first round of fixtures before the 2025/2026 Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership mid-season break arrives with everything the league represents: intensity, rivalry and high-stakes ambition.
Matchday 9 is not just another round of games. It is a defining checkpoint. Across both groups, Super Six contenders want to cement authority, and relegation-threatened sides are desperate for relief before the league pauses.
From a heavyweight South-South showdown between Rivers Angels and Edo Queens to the historic first-ever Abia derby between Ahudiyannem Queens and Abia Angels, the narratives write themselves.
Here is a comprehensive preview of all the fixtures.
Group A Fixtures
Adamawa Queens vs Heartland Queens
Makwada, 4pm
Adamawa Queens return home with renewed belief after a morale-lifting 2-nil victory over Naija Ratels, a result that snapped a worrying three-match losing streak. They sit sixth on 10 points and know a win could push them firmly into the top-half conversation.
But standing in their way is a resurgent Heartland Queens, who produced one of the performances of the season last week. Coming from behind to defeat defending champions Bayelsa Queens 3 to 1, they halted a six-match winning run and reminded the league of their pedigree.
Heartland is just one point and one position above Adamawa. Recent meetings point to a tight contest. Heartland won the reverse fixture 3-0, but Adamawa claimed a 2-to-1 home victory in their previous clash in Makwada. Expect intensity and tactical discipline.
Match Officials:
Musbahudeen Bala (BA)
Nenrot Joseph (PL)
Daniel Hannatu (BA)
Usman M Dansule (AD)
Naija Ratels vs Pacesetter Queens
Abuja, 4pm
This is a meeting between two sides still searching for their first win of the campaign.
Naija Ratels have managed two draws and five defeats, while Pacesetter Queens have recorded just one draw and six losses. With survival concerns already looming, this fixture offers both teams a rare opportunity to reset.
For either side, three points could change the emotional tone heading into the mid-season break.
Match Officials:
Bilkisu Ibrahim (NG)
Joseph Esther (KD)
Habila Celina (KD)
Ahiwe Chiamaka Juliet (FCT)
Bayelsa Queens vs Ekiti Queens
Yenagoa,
Defending champions Bayelsa Queens will be determined to prove that last week’s defeat was a temporary stumble rather than a shift in power.
The Prosperity Girls still lead Group A with 18 points. At home in Yenagoa, they have dominated recent meetings with Ekiti Queens, winning their last two league encounters in the 2023/2024 season by a combined 3-0 scoreline.
Ekiti Queens are on a two-game losing run and hovering dangerously close to the drop zone. A defeat here could deepen their troubles.
Match Officials:
Ofem Callistus (AN)
Sunny Success (DT)
Ikeotuonye Chukwuka (AN)
Winfred David (BY)
Rivers Angels vs Edo Queens
Port Harcourt, 1pm
This is arguably the headline fixture of the round.
Both Rivers Angels and Edo Queens have identical records of six wins and one defeat. Interestingly, both of their only losses came against Bayelsa Queens.
Rivers Angels sit second with a superior goal difference. Historically, they have enjoyed the edge in this rivalry with three wins in the last seven league meetings, while Edo Queens have one win and three draws. Their most recent clash at the Super Six in Ikenne ended 1-1, highlighting how balanced this contest has become.
In Port Harcourt, expect tactical chess, physical battles and moments of individual brilliance.
Match Officials:
Jacob Emmanuel (CR)
Okereke Benjamin (CR)
Ndoma Precious (CR)
Oyo Emmanuel (RV)
Group B Fixtures
Confluence Queens vs Sunshine Queens
Iyamho, 4pm
Confluence Queens are at the bottom of Group B and running out of time. One win, two draws and five defeats tell the story of a side struggling for rhythm.
They host Sunshine Queens, who arrive with confidence after ending Nasarawa Amazons’ unbeaten run with a gritty 1-nil victory.
Anything less than maximum points could push Confluence closer to relegation trouble before the break.
Match Officials:
Aliyu Aminat (KW)
Akinyele Elizabeth (KW)
Balogun Funmilayo F (KW)
Emakaife Stephanie (ED)
Ahudiyannem Queens vs Abia Angels
Aba, 4pm
History will be written in Aba.
The first-ever Abia State derby in the NWFL Premiership pits debutants Ahudiyannem Queens against Abia Angels. Ahudiyannem secured their maiden top-flight victory last week with a commanding 5-1 win over Confluence Queens.
Abia Angels, however, are in strong form with back-to-back victories, including a 2-0 win over Dannaz Ladies. They are firmly in the Super Six conversation.
Derbies often ignore form and league tables. Pride, bragging rights and history are at stake.
Match Officials:
Ogbonnaya Peace (AN)
Bogwu Chiejine Favour (DT)
Nwaobodo Chimaobi (DT)
Samuel Ezechimere Peter (AB)
Nasarawa Amazons vs FC Robo Queens
Lafia City Stadium, 4pm
This is another blockbuster.
Before last week’s setback, Nasarawa Amazons had gone seven matches unbeaten with four wins and three draws. Under coach Christopher Danjuma Musa, the Lafia Landladies remain tactically disciplined and ambitious.
They welcome in FC Robo Queens, who top Group B with 21 points. Robo have won seven of their last eight games and arrive with confidence after a home walkover against Osun Babes.
With Remo Stars Ladies and Nasarawa Amazons tied on 15 points behind them, this fixture could reshape the Super Six race before the league pauses.
Match Officials:
James Diana (PL)
Amokaha Faith (BN)
Biwuli Ruth Wuriba (PL)
Audu Abigail Akayi (NS)
Dannaz Ladies vs Remo Stars Ladies
Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, 4pm
A South West derby closes out the round.
Dannaz Ladies have endured a difficult campaign and desperately need points to revive their season. But they face a confident Remo Stars Ladies side fresh from a 4-nil win over Delta Queens.
Remo have dominated recent meetings, winning their last two Premiership clashes by a combined 7-0 scoreline during the 2024 to 2025 season. Victory would keep them firmly in the Super Six hunt.
Match Officials:
Adeyemi Christiana (OD)
Adesola Afeez (OS)
Abdullahi Zakariyahu (OD)
Kalu Gift Nnenna (LG)
Ngozi Okobi And Gift Monday Return To Super Falcons Squad Ahead Of Cameroon Friendlies
Osun Babes vs Delta Queens
Ile Ogbo, 4pm
After last week’s unfortunate incident that saw Osun Babes travel without playing, they return home seeking stability.
Osun Babes have two wins, two draws and four defeats this season. Delta Queens, now under coach Osazee Francis, suffered a heavy loss to Remo Stars Ladies but have shown flashes of quality with three wins in seven matches.
This contest may come down to desire and composure. Whoever wants it more could seize momentum before the mid-season pause.
Match Officials:
Magbagbeola Olawale (OY)
Ogunrombi Ruth (OY)
Omofoye Iseoluwa (OY)
Kolade Babatunde (OS)
Feature Image Credit: FC Robo Queens Media
