By Chigozie Chukwuleta
The NWFL Premiership Super Six playoffs continue today with more promise of thrilling encounters.
The teams are vying for the coveted title and the chance to represent Nigeria in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
In today’s games, Edo Queens who began the title chase with a 5-1 trouncing of Confluence Queens will seek to sink Rivers Angels who could not get passed Bayelsa Queens in their opening game that ended 1-1.
Nasarawa Amazons will play against Bayelsa Queens while Confluence Queens and Heartland Queens will engage in the battle of the Queens.
In the opening match of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six, Edo Queens displayed a dominant performance, thrashing Confluence Queens 5-1 at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, on Saturday.
Edo Queens started brightly, with Emem Essien opening the scoring in the 13th minute. Confluence Queens equalized eight minutes later through Merit Offor. However, Goodness Osigwe quickly restored Edo Queens’ lead two minutes after the equalizer.
Chioma Moses increased the advantage for Aduku’s side in the 34th minute, and Essien scored her second goal of the game early in the second half. Osigwe completed the rout at the hour mark, securing Edo Queens’ biggest win over Confluence Queens in recent times.
The victory propels Edo Queens to the top of the standings ahead of the remaining matches on the opening matchday. They will next face serial winners Rivers Angels on Monday, May 20, 2024.
Nasarawa Amazons 0-0 Heartland Queens
In the second game of the day, Nasarawa Amazons and Heartland Queens played out a goalless draw in a closely contested match.
Heartland’s Mary Lucky thought she had broken the deadlock in the fifth minute, but her goal was ruled out for offside. In the 19th minute, Nasarawa Amazons were awarded a penalty after a Heartland Queens defender handled the ball inside the box. However, Heartland goalkeeper Chukwu Uchenna made a double save to deny Chinyere Kalu from the spot.
Both teams will aim for their first win in the upcoming matches. Nasarawa Amazons will face hosts Bayelsa Queens, while Heartland Queens will take on Confluence Queens on Monday.
Rivers Angels 1-1 Bayelsa Queens
The star match of the opening day saw Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens battle to a 1-1 draw in the South-South derby.
Bayelsa Queens opened the scoring ten minutes into the second half when Fehintola Mabokanje converted a penalty after a Rivers Angels player handled the ball inside the area. With eight minutes remaining on the clock, Rita Peter restored parity for the Jewels of Rivers with a rebound, ensuring the game ended in a stalemate.
The match was attended by the First Lady of Bayelsa State, Mrs. Gloria Diri, who cheered for the host team, Bayelsa Queens. Both teams will look to secure their first victory in their next fixtures. Bayelsa Queens will take on Nasarawa Amazons, while Rivers Angels will face Edo Queens on Monday.
Summary of Matchday 1 Results
Edo Queens 5-1 Confluence Queens
Nasarawa Amazons 0-0 Heartland Queens
Rivers Angels 1-1 Bayelsa Queens
Today’s matches
Edo Queens vs. Rivers Angels
Nasarawa Amazons vs. Bayelsa Queens
onfluence Queens vs. Heartland Queens.
Source/NWFL Media
