…as Nasarawa Amazons, Rivers Angels claim opening-day win
The 2025/2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six got underway in Port Harcourt, with Nasarawa Amazons and Rivers Angels recording opening-day victories, while defending champions Bayelsa Queens were held to a 1-1 draw by debutants, Abia Angels at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia began their NWFL Super Six campaign on a winning note after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Edo Queens in their matchday one encounter.
The highly anticipated tournament kicked off with the Lafia landladies displaying determination and resilience against their opponents. Both teams started brightly, with Nasarawa Amazons showing early intent through high pressing and attacking football.
Adesoji Esther, Abdulwahaab Faridat, Igbokwe Joy, Okah Adaobi Judith and Jones Imoh impressed with their energy, passion and commitment, entertaining the fans with an outstanding performance.
Despite sustained pressure from Edo Queens, the Amazons remained focused and disciplined defensively, while effectively controlling the midfield battle.
The first half ended goalless after a fiercely contested tie.
After the restart, Nasarawa Amazons raised their intensity in search of a breakthrough. The decisive moment arrived in the 62nd minute when Okah Adaobi Judith calmly finished a brilliant move, connecting perfectly with a cross from Alani Jumoke to place the ball beyond the Edo Queens goalkeeper and give her side a deserved lead.
The goal ultimately proved to be the winner, earning maximum points for the Lafia landladies and delighting their supporters in Port Harcourt.
In another matchday one fixture, hosts Rivers Angels defeated FC Robo Queens 3-2 in a keenly contested encounter.
Grace Saliu put the Jewels of Rivers ahead in the eighth minute, but Oluwakemi Adegbuyi restored parity for Robo Queens in the 22nd minute.
Both sides continued to create chances and went into the break level at 1-1.
The intensity continued in the second half as Abasiofon Uwah restored Rivers Angels’ lead in the 65th minute, before Ramotalahi Kareem extended the advantage to 3-1 just two minutes later.
Adegbuyi grabbed her second goal of the match in the 80th minute to set up a tense finish, but Rivers Angels held firm to secure all three points.
The final match of the opening day produced another twist as debutants, Abia Angels, held defending champions Bayelsa Queens to a 1-1 draw. Harmony Chidi appeared to have secured victory for Bayelsa Queens when she scored in the 56th minute.
However, Abia Angels responded almost immediately, with Mariam Abdulrasheed equalising two minutes later to earn the newcomers a memorable point.
Following an action-packed opening day, Nasarawa Amazons and Rivers Angels sit jointly at the top of the standings with three points apiece, while Abia Angels have shown they are capable of troubling the league’s established sides.
With Bayelsa Queens and Edo Queens seeking a response, the race for the NWFL Premiership title is already gathering momentum in Port Harcourt.
All six teams will observe a rest day before action resumes today, with fixtures scheduled to commence from 9 a.m.