Bayelsa Queens have reignited their growing dominance over neighbours Rivers Angels with a commanding 3–1 victory at the ongoing Governor Douye Diri Preseason Tournament, reopening one of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL)’s fiercest rivalries before the 2025/26 season even kicks off.

The Port Harcourt side came into the fixture on the back of two opening wins in Yenagoa—a 2–1 victory over Imo Strikers and a narrow 1–0 triumph against Delta Queens, Footballrover reports.

Bayelsa Queens vs Rivers Angels rivalry heats up again

But when it mattered most, the reigning league champions once again proved to be the hurdle Rivers Angels still cannot clear.

The Yenagoa Queens struck early through Rofiat Bankole before Zainab Oduga levelled for Rivers ladies in the 27th minute.

The response from the Prosperity Girls was ruthless. Just two minutes later, Alaba Olabiyi restored their lead, and Janet Akekoromowei’s second-half finish sealed the result at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

The latest setback only deepens the recent pattern between both sides.

In last season’s Super Six, Rivers Angels’ title charge unravelled from the moment they fell 1–0 to Bayelsa in their opening game—a defeat that derailed their campaign and ended with the Prosperity Girls lifting the championship and securing the NWFL’s top prize.

Bayelsa Queens keep the upper hand over Rivers Angels

Although the Garden City side bounced back a few weeks later to claim the President Federation Cup after a dramatic comeback against Nasarawa Amazons, Bayelsa have maintained the competitive upper hand where it matters most: momentum, consistency, and psychological edge.

Now, with this preseason blow, the Prosperity Girls have delivered the first major statement of the new campaign.

The Jewels of Rivers, despite their strong early results in Yenagoa, find themselves trailing in the rivalry once more, with work to do before the league begins.

As the countdown to the 2025/26 NWFL season continues, this clash has already set the tone.

From all indications, Bayelsa ladies look ready to defend their crown, while Rivers Angels must find a way to break a cycle that has repeatedly kept them in their rivals’ shadow.

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Last Updated on October 21, 2025 5:53 pm by footballrover