Nigeria Leagues

NWFL Premiership MD 13 Preview: South South derby and race for Playoffs take centre stage

Published

3 weeks ago

5:37 pm

NWFL Premiership MD 13 Preview: South South derby and race for Playoffs take centre stage

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The 2024/25 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership reaches crucial stage with three more Super Six Playoffs spots up for grabs in the remaining two games.

Two spots from Group A and a slot from Group B set to complete the Playoffs.

Top on the bill is famous South South derby and table topping clash between Bayelsa Queens and Rivers Angels in Yenegoa.

In Lafia, Nasarawa Amazons welcome indomitable defending champions, Edo Queens.

Below is the preview of the matchday.

Group A

Nasarawa Amazons vs Edo Queens

In Lafia, Solid Babes host Edo Queens with five match unbeaten record against the visitors that are yet to lose any match this season.

A win here will help Christopher Danjuma’s side resolve to qualify for the Playoffs.

They have won all six home games including ending Remo Stars Ladies unbeaten record.

Moses Aduku’s side on the other hand secured five victories in their six trips with a 1-1 draw against Dannaz Ladies in Lagos the only missing piece.

With the last eight head to head games ending in a win, this promises to be another victory for either sides as the Benin City based side has won five of those matches.

The last meeting between both sides in Benin City ended 2-0 in favour of Edo Queens.

Confluence Queens vs Ekiti Queens

Confluence Queens and Ekiti Queens trade tackles in Ayingba with contrasting fortunes.

The host with four points occupy the bottom of the log and need to start gathering points to beat the drop.

After seven straight losses, Sabo Okala’s side has picked four points from their last five matches.

Ekiti Queens maintained their top flight status with two games to spare and will play for pride after missing in contention for the Playoffs.

This will be the second meeting between both sides after Ekiti Queens ran out 2-0 winners in the reverse fixture this season.

Dannaz Ladies vs Heartland Queens

In Lagos, Dannaz Ladies and Heartland Queens continue their survival tests as the season gradually wind down.

The host can only boast of a win and four draws coupled with seven losses.

Those results include a win, two draws, and a disappointing three consecutive home losses against Remo Stars Ladies, Abia Angels, and Nasarawa Amazons.

A win here will boost their fate of staying in the top flight for another season.

Two points and a place ahead of their opponents, Heartland Queens season has been one of status quo ante returning to their previously form after their historic qualification for the Playoffs last season.

Away from home, Obi Ogbala’s side have an abysmal run of six straight losses, a form their hope to end with a result in Lagos.

Abia Angels vs Remo Stars Ladies

Either sides could brighten their Playoffs chances with favourable results here.

Abia Angels in fourth position will take the playoffs qualification down to the wire with a win over Remo Stars Ladies.

Adanna Nwaneri’s side have won five of their six home games with a 2-1 loss against Edo Queens the only dropped points at home.

The Ikenne based visitors only need a draw to qualify for their maiden Playoffs in their second season in the league.

Inspired by coach Wemimo Mathew and there men’s counterparts gunning for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, Remo Stars Ladies have been in good form this season.

The Sky Blue Ladies have an impressive away record of three wins, two draws, and a loss against Nasarawa Amazons.

Group B

Bayelsa Queens vs Rivers Angels

In one of the famous match every season, Bayelsa Queens and Rivers Angels face off in Yenegoa.

The top of the table clash is a deciding factor of the team which will end the season as the group leaders ahead of the Playoffs.

Both sides have already booked their places with the host, Prosperity Girls having a point lead over their visitors.

A win here will extend their unbeaten record and cement their place as group leaders.

Ogbonda Whyte’s side have won all their six home games ahead of this clash with his former team.

Tosan Blackson’s side on the other hand recorded four straight wins on the road with a draw and loss in six matches.

Both sides have met in the last four seasons in the league with Bayelsa Queens winning five of those 12 head-to-head games. Rivers Angels have won four with the remaining three games ending in stalemates.

The reverse fixture in Port Harcourt ended in a 1-1 draw.

Benue Queens vs Adamawa Queens

Debutant, Benue Queens finally won a match after 12 games against Ibom Angels last week.

Liadi Bashiru’s side has picked four points from the last three games and need a win here to brighten their survival quest.

They have won one, drawn one and lost four home games in Lafia.

Adamawa Queens need a point here to seal their top flight status while condemning their host to relegation.

They have lost all their six away games and continue their search for first point on the road.

Last time out, Adamawa Queens secured a 2-0 in in Pantami at the end of matchday five.

Delta Queens vs Naija Ratels

Former league winners, Delta Queens have their Payoffs ambition in the balance after their fifth position and five points behind their opponent and FC Robo Queens.

A win here will take the final Playoff spot in the group to the final Matchday if FC Robo Queens didn’t secure a win in Uyo.

The Pearls have won four of their six home games in Asaba with losses against the top two teams from the group.

Naija Ratels seek to qualify for the Playoffs for the second time since achieving the same feat during their debut season in the top flight.

They have a decent away record of a win, two losses, and two losses in six games.

The Abuja based side have won any of their previous three head-to-head meetings with a loss and two draws.

The reverse fixture in Abuja ended in a 1-1 draw.

Ibom Angels vs FC Robo Queens

In Uyo, Ibom Angels host FC Robo Queens with pride at stake and slim chance of qualifying for the Playoffs.

Edwin Okon’s side have won four of their six home games with a draw and 1-0 loss to his former side, Rivers Angels.

The Lagos Landladies can stake a strong claim to Playoffs qualification with a win here ahead of their final match against Delta Queens at home.

They have won two of their six away games with three losses.

Nigeria Football

NWFL Premiership MD 13 Preview: South South derby and race for Playoffs take centre stage

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