The new season wasted no time demanding attention. On opening day of the 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership, it roared to life across the country — but none burnt brighter than the South-South derby in Yenagoa.
A fierce rivalry, two ambitious squads, and five goals that reminded everyone why Bayelsa Queens vs. Edo Queens remains one of the league’s most thrilling fixtures.
NWFL Premiership kicks off with goals
At the Samson Siasia Stadium, both sides lived up to expectations. However, Rebecca Adegbemile drew first blood for Edo Queens midway through the first half, only for Kindness Ifeanyi to level it just before the break.
The second half became chaos and beauty rolled into one. Janet Akekoromowei’s blistering strike flipped momentum back to the hosts; Edo responded through Adanna Nwachukwu in the 85th minute, and just as the draw seemed sealed, Blessing Illvieda produced the game’s final twist—a stoppage-time winner that sent Yenagoa into delirium.
A 3–2 result, soaked in nerves and ambition. A statement victory to start a season of big dreams.
Home comforts and comebacks shape matchday 1
The drama rolled into Owerri, where Heartland Queens turned early shock into controlled dominance.
Amarachi Okoronkwo stunned the home crowd after just three minutes for Ekiti Queens, but the response came quickly. Chizoba Johnson restored belief only for Emmanuella James to secure a smart 2–1 comeback before halftime.
In Yola, it was ruthless efficiency from Adamawa Queens. Ifeoma Damian and Mary Sunday struck with precision, ensuring a comfortable 2–0 win over league newcomers Pacesetters Queens, who could only promise to “regroup and go again”.
Not every venue was generous with goals. The Bwari Stadium clash between Naija Ratels and Ibom Angels drifted into a goalless stalemate — plenty of effort, little end product, and two frustrated benches left searching for answers.
Late winners, equalisers, and edge-of-seat drama
Onikan Stadium hosted pure theatre. Dannaz Ladies and Osun Babes exchanged punches, shared four goals, and then watched Ajoke Akinbo snatch a dramatic 89th-minute winner in a thrilling 3–2 contest that felt like a wild sprint rather than a football match.
Nasarawa Amazons followed a similar script at the Lafia City Stadium. Delta Queens opened early through Nora Davies, but that only awakened the hosts.
Shobowale levelled matters before Ayatsea’s quick-fire winner sealed a 2–1 fightback that echoed loud and clear across the stadium.
In Iyamho, Confluence Queens and Abia Angels delivered one of the day’s most balanced clashes. A 2–2 draw filled with traded blows, smart finishes, and zero signs of caution.
Umuahia was less dramatic but far from ordinary. Newcomers Ahudiyannem Queens held Remo Stars Ladies to a gritty goalless draw, proving they won’t be pushovers in their first top-flight campaign.
And in Akure, FC Robo Queens walked away smiling thanks to Marvellous Oladuni—a halftime strike that lived up to her name and secured a narrow 1–0 win over Sunshine Queens.
Rivers Angels start with a bye as Castmog exit shakes Group A
The only team that didn’t lace up? Rivers Angels. Their planned opponents, Castmog Ladies, were ruled ineligible after failing to meet key registration and licensing requirements.
The Abeokuta side’s immediate relegation reshuffled Group A and handed Rivers Angels a quiet start to what will likely become a loud, title-chasing season.
A season already smelling of fire
From stunning late winners to gritty draws, Matchday 1 delivered storylines that hint at a long, unpredictable campaign ahead.
Rivalries are burning, debutants are biting, and the queens of Nigerian women’s football have thrown down their first markers.
If Wednesday’s encounters are the opening chapter, the 2025/26 NWFL Premiership is about to be one unforgettable ride.
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