The race for the Super Six and the battle for survival intensified dramatically as Matchday 13 of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) produced another round of gripping action across the country.
At the end of the matchday, Edo Queens emerged as the new leaders of Group A with 28 points. The Benin-based team is comfortably at the top of the standings, having played one more game than their nearest rivals. The defending champion, Bayelsa Queens, moved into second position while Rivers Angels dropped to third following a surprise defeat in Uyo.
In Group B, FC Robo Queens reaffirmed their dominance in Lagos football by defeating Dannaz Ladies 2-0 in a city derby that once again showed why they are often referred to as the landladies of Lagos football.
Abia Angels climbed into second position after an impressive victory over Nasarawa Amazons, while Remo Stars Ladies moved into third place following a ruthless five-star performance against Osun Babes.
For the first time this season, Nasarawa Amazons slipped out of the Super Six qualification spots, a development that adds even more intrigue to the remaining fixtures in the group.
Elsewhere, Ahudiyannem Queens continued their remarkable second-round revival with a vital away win against Sunshine Queens in Akure.
A total of twenty goals were scored across nine matches, with the biggest scoreline arriving in Ikenne, where Remo Stars Ladies vs Osun Babes produced a six-goal thriller.
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Adamawa Queens Rescue Late Draw Against Edo Queens
In Makwada, Adamawa Queens fought back to earn a late draw against league leaders Edo Queens.
The visitors looked set to take all three points when the in-form Atume Doosuur struck in the 82nd minute to give Edo Queens the lead.
However, the hosts refused to surrender. Deep into stoppage time, Adamawa Queens were awarded a penalty, and Katon Waken stepped up calmly to convert and secure a dramatic point.
Despite the draw, Edo Queens remain top of Group A while Adamawa Queens sit comfortably in fifth place with neither Super Six hopes nor relegation fears hanging over them.
Ibom Angels Shock Rivers Angels in Uyo
One of the biggest surprises of the round came in Uyo, where Ibom Angels stunned Rivers Angels.
The decisive moment arrived early when Marian Okocha produced a superb direct free kick in the seventh minute to put the hosts ahead.
Rivers Angels attempted to respond quickly and came close with a long-range free kick in the 14th minute, but goalkeeper Godstime produced a fine save.
The Ibom Angels also had a chance with Eunice, whose pace troubled the defence, but her shot lacked the power to trouble the goalkeeper.
The rest of the match became a tense and cautious affair with few clear chances, allowing Ibom Angels to secure a memorable victory.
The defeat marked Rivers Angels’ second loss of the season and saw them drop from first place to third in the standings.
Bayelsa Queens Edge Pacesetters in Ibadan
Bayelsa Queens returned to winning ways in Ibadan thanks to a late moment of brilliance from Glory Edet.
After a fiercely contested match, Edet delivered the breakthrough in the 80th minute with a well-taken free kick that sealed a narrow but important away victory.
Pacesetters Queens fought hard throughout the encounter, but Bayelsa Queens needed the result to reaffirm their title ambitions. The victory lifts them into second place in Group A.
Heartland Queens Defeat Naija Ratels in Owerri
Heartland Queens secured a valuable win in Owerri with two first-half goals against Naija Ratels.
Faith Samson opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 24th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the advantage nine minutes later.
The result leaves Heartland Queens comfortably placed in sixth position, while Naija Ratels remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
FC Robo Queens Dominate Lagos Derby
FC Robo Queens delivered a commanding performance in the Lagos derby against Dannaz Ladies.
Opeyemi Ajakaye struck early in the seventh minute to give Robo Queens the lead before Esther Onyenezide doubled the advantage just before halftime.
The two first-half goals proved decisive as Robo Queens maintained control for the remainder of the match to secure another important victory.
Confluence Queens Continue Remarkable Revival
Confluence Queens continued their impressive improvement in the second half of the season with a 2-1 victory over Delta Queens in Iyamho.
Ijeoma Ibe opened the scoring shortly after halftime while Marvelous Ebube extended the lead in the 78th minute.
Delta Queens pulled one back through Temitope Aweda two minutes later but could not find an equaliser.
After appearing destined for relegation earlier in the season, Confluence Queens have now revived their survival hopes.
Remo Stars Ladies Deliver Five-Star Performance
The most entertaining match of the round took place in Ikenne, where Remo Stars Ladies overwhelmed Osun Babes in a thrilling Southwest derby.
Hannah Ibrahim opened the scoring in the ninth minute before Chiamaka Ojialor doubled the lead in the 22nd minute.
Osun Babes briefly responded through Ebunoluwa Akinola, but Remo Stars quickly restored control. Ibrahim scored her second goal of the match before Blessed Isigbo and Kadijat Anifowoshe completed a dominant first-half performance.
After failing to win their previous two home matches, the Sky Blue Ladies returned to form in emphatic style.
Abia Angels Stun Nasarawa Amazons in Aba
Abia Angels delivered one of the most impressive performances of the round by defeating Nasarawa Amazons in Aba.
Winner David gave the hosts the lead in the 36th minute before captain Chinaza Enuma produced a stunning curling free kick from 25 yards early in the second half to seal the victory.
The win lifts Abia Angels into second position while Nasarawa Amazons drop to fourth place in Group B.
Ahudiyannem Queens Continue Strong Comeback
Ahudiyannem Queens continued their impressive resurgence with a crucial away victory over Sunshine Queens in Akure.
The match had initially been postponed due to heavy rainfall at the Ondo Sports Complex but resumed the following morning.
Uduakobong Monday Peter scored the only goal of the match in the 37th minute, handing the visitors three valuable points.
The result gives Ahudiyannem Queens ten points from their last four matches and seven points from three away games, confirming them as one of the most improved teams in the league.
Meanwhile, Sunshine Queens remain deep in relegation trouble.
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Super Six Race Heats Up
While Group A is beginning to look clearer regarding potential Super Six qualifiers and relegation candidates, Group B remains extremely competitive.
Any of the top four teams can still drop out of the qualification spots while teams further down the table continue to fight desperately to avoid relegation.
With twenty goals scored across nine matches and dramatic shifts in the standings, Matchday 13 once again highlighted why the Nigeria Women Football League remains one of the most exciting competitions in African women’s football.
Feature Image Credit: Remo Stars Ladies Media
