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2025/26 NWFL Premiership Matchday Four Previews

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2025/26 NWFL Premiership Matchday Four Previews

The 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership continues to gather momentum as Matchday Four delivers another exciting slate of fixtures across Groups A and B, featuring local derbies, title contenders, and early-season statement games.

Top of the bill are two South-West derbies and a South-South derby in Port Harcourt, promising intensity, pride, and crucial points as the season begins to take shape.

Group A

Edo Queens vs Adamawa Queens

2024 champions Edo Queens return home looking to assert control against an Adamawa Queens side enjoying an impressive start to the campaign.

Edo Queens edged Ekiti Queens 1–0 away last week and will be targeting their second win of the season after bouncing back from a 3–2 opening-day loss to holders Bayelsa Queens. Their structure and experience give them an edge, but Adamawa Queens will be confident of springing a surprise.

Adamawa Queens are yet to taste defeat after three games, recording two wins and a draw. The last league meeting between both sides ended 1–1, after Edo Queens thrashed the Northern side 4–0 in Benin City during the 2022/23 season.

Rivers Angels vs Ibom Angels (South-South Derby)

A classic South-South rivalry takes centre stage in Port Harcourt as Rivers Angels host Ibom Angels.

With two wins from two matches, the Port Harcourt-based side will aim to maintain their perfect start. Rivers’ pedigree and squad depth, however, face a stern test against an Ibom Angels side eager to prove they can compete with the league’s traditional heavyweights.

The Orange Ladies have recorded one win, one draw, and one defeat so far. Last season, Rivers Angels completed a league double over their rivals, who were then coached by former Rivers boss Edwin Okon.

Bayelsa Queens vs Pacesetter Queens

Defending champions Bayelsa Queens will look to maintain their strong home form against a Pacesetter Queens side known for their physical approach.

Bayelsa Queens come into the fixture with confidence after winning their opening two matches, including a dominant 5–0 victory over Naija Ratels last week.

Pacesetter Queens, on the other hand, have endured a difficult start, losing all three of their opening games.

This fixture marks the first ever top-flight meeting between both sides.

Naija Ratels FC vs Heartland Queens

Naija Ratels welcome Heartland Queens in a clash that could shape the early mid-table picture.

The hosts will be desperate for their first win of the season after suffering a heavy 5–0 defeat to Bayelsa Queens last week.

Heartland Queens, with one win and one draw, will be targeting their second victory of the campaign.

In the 2023/24 season, Heartland Queens edged Naija Ratels 2–1 in Owerri after both sides played out a goalless draw in Abuja. That season proved historic for Heartland, who went on to qualify for the Super Six.

Group B

Delta Queens vs Confluence Queens

Delta Queens will look to capitalise on home advantage as they host Confluence Queens, a side that has shown flashes of danger on the counter.

The hosts are still searching for their first win of the season after two defeats and a draw, while Confluence Queens are also winless, recording two losses and a draw.

The last meeting between both sides saw Delta Queens claim a 3–1 victory during the 2022/23 Super Six Playoffs — a season they eventually won the title.

Osun Babes vs Remo Stars Ladies (South-West Derby)

One of the standout fixtures of the round, this South-West derby promises intensity and regional pride.

Osun Babes’ organisation will be tested by the growing ambition of Remo Stars Ladies. The Sky Blue Stars have won two of their three games, drawing the other, while Osun Babes have managed one win and two defeats so far.

This fixture marks the first ever NWFL Premiership meeting between clubs from Osun State and Ogun State.

Dannaz Ladies vs FC Robo Queens (South-West Derby)

Another fiery South-West derby sees Dannaz Ladies take on an in-form FC Robo Queens side.

The Lagos Landladies are the only team with a 100 percent record after winning all three matches, while Dannaz Ladies saw their unbeaten start come to an end last week against Sunshine Queens.

Robo Queens’ attacking flair will be tested against a Dannaz side eager to respond and make a statement.

Nasarawa Amazons vs Abia Angels

Former champions Nasarawa Amazons continue their push for dominance as they welcome Abia Angels to Lafia.

The Amazons remain unbeaten after three games, recording two wins and a draw, and will be confident of extending their fine run. Abia Angels, however, will be aiming to upset the odds.

Last season, Nasarawa Amazons won this fixture 2–0 at home, after Abia Angels claimed a 3–0 victory in the reverse encounter.

Ahudiyannem Queens vs Sunshine Queens

For the first time in top-flight history, Ahudiyannem Queens will host Sunshine Queens.

Both sides gained promotion to the NWFL Premiership but with contrasting fortunes so far. Ahudiyannem Queens are yet to record a win after three matches, while Sunshine Queens secured their first victory of the season last week.

With both teams desperate for points, this encounter could be one of the most competitive games of the weekend.

With rivalries renewed and crucial points at stake, Matchday Four is set to further define the early narratives of the 2025/26 NWFL Premiership season.

 

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Samuel Ahmadu
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
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