The 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League Premiership kicked off today in style, delivering goals and drama across all venues as the nation’s top women’s clubs battled for early momentum on NWFL Matchday 1.

New ambitions collided with old rivalries, fresh talents staked their claims, and the race for greatness began all over again, Footballrover reports.

From Yenagoa to Akure, the opening whistle set off a day of pure unpredictability.

NWFL Matchday 1 Group A: Last-Minute Thriller in Yenagoa

Bayelsa Queens and Edo Queens put on a thriller at the Samson Siasia Stadium. Rebecca Adegbemile struck first for the visitors in the 23rd minute, but Kindness Ifeanyi dragged the hosts level on the stroke of halftime.

Janet Akekoromowei’s early second-half finish flipped the score, yet Edo Queens clawed back again through Adanna Nwachukwu in the 85th minute.

Just when it looked settled, Blessing Illvieda smashed home a stoppage-time winner for a dramatic 3–2 victory.

In Owerri, Heartland Queens responded after conceding just 3 minutes into the game with Ekiti Queens at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

Amarachi Okoronkwo shocked the crowd early on, but Chizoba Johnson equalised quickly before Emmanuella James completed the turnaround in the 37th minute to secure a 2–1 home win.

Adamawa Queens were fully in control at the Makwada Stadium in Yola, picking apart Pacesetters Queens with goals from Ifeoma Damian and Mary Sunday in a solid 2–0 display.

“Tough outing for the girls in our first away game of the season. We regroup and go again,” the debutants from Ibadan said after their campaign opener.

Meanwhile at the Bwari Stadium in Abuja, Naija Ratels and Ibom Angels played out a frustrating goalless draw—lots of probing, no final punch.

NWFL Matchday 1 Group B: Comebacks & Finest Margins

Dannaz Ladies and Osun Babes turned Onikan Stadium into a five-goal festival.

Sharon Shomuyiwa opened for the visitors, but Fatima Sholaty pulled Dannaz level minutes later.

Korie Ulumma put Dannaz ahead late on, only for Robiat Taofeeq to equalise in the 85th. Then came the dagger—Ajoke Akinbo in the 89th minute, sealing a dramatic 3–2 win.

Nasarawa Amazons also came from behind to earn a hard-fought three points at home.

Delta Queens scored early through Nora Davies, but Shobowale’s equaliser and Ayatsea’s quick second-half strike completed a 2–1 fightback at the Lafia City Stadium.

At the Edo State University pitch in Iyamho, Confluence Queens and Abia Angels traded blows in a 2–2 draw packed with so much excitement.

Funmilayo Adefuye and Blessing Sunday scored for Confluence, while Mary Akosile and Blessing Okon twice pulled the visitors back.

Ahudiyannem Queens vs. Remo Stars Ladies in Umuahia offered midfield battles but no breakthrough—another goalless encounter at the Umuahia Stadium with the newcomers snatching vital point from the Ikenne ladies.

And at the Akure Township Stadium, Marvellous Oladuni lived up to her name, scoring on the stroke of halftime to give FC Robo Queens a narrow 1–0 win over Sunshine Queens.

The scheduled clash between Castmog Ladies and Rivers Angels was cancelled after the Abeokuta-based club failed to meet essential registration and licensing requirements.

As a result, they were rendered ineligible for the season, leading to their automatic relegation from the top flight.

This development reshaped the opening fixture for Rivers Angels and the rest of Group A.

With Castmog Ladies removed from the competition, Rivers Angels began their campaign with a bye.

NWFL Matchday 1 at a glance

Group A

– Bayelsa Queens 2-1 Edo Queens
– Adamawa Queens 2-0 Pacesetters 
– Heartland Queens 2-1 Ekiti Queens
– Naija Ratels 0-0 Ibom Angels

Group B

– Nasarawa Amazons 2-1 Delta Queens
– Confluence Queens 2-2 Abia Angels
– Sunshine Queens 0-1 Robo Queens
– Ahudiyannem Queens 0-0 Remo Stars Ladies
– Dannaz Ladies 3-2 Osun Babes

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Last Updated on November 26, 2025 10:10 pm by footballrover