In a captivating kick-off to the 2023/24 Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership, the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium witnessed a pulsating 0-0 draw between debutants Ekiti Queens and defending champions Delta Queens in Ado Ekiti.
This high-stakes clash not only had fans at the edge of their seats but also drew high-profile dignitaries, including the First Lady of Ekiti State, (Dr) Mrs Olayemi Oyebanji, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Gusau, and Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) chairman Ms Nkechi Obi.
As the NWFL24 journey commenced with MatchWeek One, emotions echoed across the pitch, epitomizing the skill, determination, and essence of women’s football.
Ekiti Queens 0-0 Delta Queens:
Debutants Ekiti Queens clashed with defending champions Delta Queens in a captivating opener that culminated in a hard-fought goalless draw in Ado Ekiti earlier on Tuesday.
Naija Ratels 1-3 Nasarawa Amazons:
In Abuja, Nigeria’s 2023 Women’s World Cup captain, Onome Ebi, marked her impactful return to the Nigerian league after 14 years abroad. She provided an assist in Naija Ratels’ 3-1 defeat to Nasarawa Amazons on Wednesday morning. The Solid Miners from Lafia displayed prowess, securing victory through Ojiyovwi Kesiena and Ayatsea Hembafan’s brace, with Davies Nora’s late consolation adding a touch of drama at the Aguiyi Ironsi Guards Brigade ground.
Heartland Queens 4-0 Royal Queens:
At the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Heartland Queens showcased dominance from the first whistle, with Onyinyechi Kalu, Chidinma Anaele, Gift Afigbediitor, and Chinedu Chinaka all finding the net to secure an emphatic 4-0 victory over Royal Queens.
Abia Angels 3-2 Adamawa Queens:
Over at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, Abia Angels orchestrated a stunning comeback after an early setback. Despite Mary Moses setting the tone for Adamawa Queens, Abia Angels responded emphatically through Chiamaka Ojialor, Nancy Emmanuel, and Amarachi Ndumin, securing a thrilling 3-2 triumph.
Confluence Queens 0-0 Dannaz Ladies:
In a fiercely contested battle at the Edo State University pitch in Iyamho, Confluence Queens and first-timers Dannaz Ladies locked horns, resulting in a goalless draw that showcased the resilience of both teams.
Sunshine Queens 1-1 Bayelsa Queens:
In Akure, Suliat Ajibade opened the scoring for Sunshine Queens, but former champions Bayelsa Queens fought back with determination, leveling the match at 1-1 through Mercy Itimi’s strike at the Akure Township Stadium.
Remo Stars Ladies 1-1 Rivers Angels:
A clash of newcomers and seasoned warlords unfolded in Ikenne as Motunrayo Ezekiel put former champions Rivers Angels ahead, only to be countered by Remo Stars Ladies’ Joy Nneka, resulting in a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
Edo Queens 4-1 FC Robo Queens:
In Benin City at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Edo Queens asserted dominance on the field with a formidable display led by Kafayat Mafisere and Eunice Godwin. Nkwocha Favour and Chioma Moses joined the goal galore, sealing a commanding 4-1 victory over FC Robo Queens on Wednesday evening.
The NWFL24’s inaugural kickoff promises a season filled with excitement, unpredictability, and the unwavering spirit of women’s football ahead of the upcoming weekly fixtures every Wednesday.
Source/NWFL Media Team
