The much-anticipated Queens Cup 2025 preseason tournament kicked off in electrifying fashion at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, with four exciting matches that showcased the growing depth and competitiveness of women’s football in Nigeria.
From dramatic comebacks to history-making debuts, Lagos teams took centre stage on a day that underlined why the Queens Cup has quickly become a key event in the Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL) preseason calendar.
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Wazbak Queens Stun Phoenix Queens in Opening Thriller
The first match of the day saw an all-Lagos battle between Wazbak Queens and Phoenix Queens, setting the tone for a thrilling start to the competition.
Phoenix Queens drew first blood in the 27th minute through Adepoju Temilade, who etched her name into history as the scorer of the first-ever goal in the Queens Cup. Her calm finish gave Phoenix an early lead, which they held until deep into the second half.
But Wazbak Queens refused to give up. Their captain, Ojo Lydia, led by example, equalizing in the 81st minute before completing her brace seven minutes later to seal a remarkable 2–1 comeback victory.
It was a statement win for Wazbak Queens, whose fighting spirit and superior game management saw them open their campaign with maximum points.
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Dannaz Ladies Edge Nakamura FA in Hard-Fought Encounter
The second match of the day was a clash between NWFL regulars Dannaz Ladies and the fast-rising Lagos grassroots side Nakamura FA.
Nakamura FA’s defensive organization and resilience frustrated Dannaz for much of the contest, keeping the scoreline goalless until the final 10 minutes.
Eventually, fatigue and a brief lapse in concentration cost Nakamura dearly, as Augusta Chukwuma broke the deadlock in the 80th minute before Raji Zainab doubled the advantage three minutes later to secure a 2–0 win for Dannaz Ladies.
It was a professional display from Dannaz, who showed patience and composure to break down a stubborn opponent.
Pacesetter Queens Make Historic Debut Against DreamStars Ladies
The third game was one for the history books as Pacesetter Queens, barely two months old, played their first-ever top competitive match against former NWFL side DreamStars Ladies.
The encounter attracted dignitaries, including the Oyo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, who praised the vision behind the Queens Cup as a platform for emerging women’s clubs.
DreamStars’ experience ultimately proved decisive, as Anifowoshe Khadijat struck in the 15th minute to hand the Lagos side a narrow 1–0 victory.
Despite the defeat, Pacesetter Queens impressed neutrals with their structure, confidence, and energy — attributes that suggest a bright future for the young Ibadan-based team.
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Remo Stars Ladies Beat Robo Queens
The day’s final match lived up to its billing as Remo Stars Ladies of Ikenne and FC Robo Queens of Lagos produced a pulsating encounter that had the crowd on their feet.
Robo Queens took the lead in the 11th minute through Emmanuel Faith, but Remo Stars came roaring back after halftime.
Fagbenro Daniella leveled for the Sky Blue Ladies in the 50th minute, and a defensive mix-up saw Robo’s Yusuf Rodiat turn the ball into her own net eight minutes later—handing Remo Stars a thrilling 2–1 win.
It was a fitting end to a day that celebrated the growing competitiveness and entertainment value of Nigerian women’s football.
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The Queens Cup 2025 preseason continues tomorrow at 8 a.m. at the Lekan Salami Stadium, with another round of exciting fixtures lined up.
As the teams sharpen their strategies ahead of the new NWFL season, the tournament is already proving to be more than just a preseason event—it’s a celebration of women’s football excellence in Nigeria.
