Edo Queens NWFL defending champions |
The 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership season is set to kick off on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, with an exciting slate of fixtures across eight centers in the country.
The opening matchday promises a fierce start, with two
South-South derbies taking center stage, alongside other thrilling matchups as
teams begin their quest for glory.
Group A
Edo Queens vs Abia Angels - Benin City
The official opening Star Match of the new season set to
be broadcast on NTA and Startimes will feature defending champions, Edo Queens,
hosting Abia Angels at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Edo Queens, who claimed their maiden league title last
season, also triumphed in the West Africa Zone B (WAFU-B) Women’s Champions
League and reached the final of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League,
ultimately finishing in fourth place. Under coach Moses Aduku, who has been
handed a contract extension, the club’s primary focus will be to build on last
season’s successes and defend their league title.
In contrast, Abia Angels will be hoping to avoid another
relegation battle after narrowly escaping the drop last season, surviving by a
whisker on goal difference. With Adanna Nwaneri, a former Super Falcons
defender, now at the helm, the Umuahia-based side will aim to improve on last
season's performance and start the campaign on a positive note.
Edo Queens has been dominant in recent encounters,
winning two of the last three league meetings, but Abia Angels pulled off a
shock 1-0 victory in Benin City during the 2022/23 season.
Ekiti Queens vs Heartland Queens - Ado Ekiti
For the first time in top-flight history, Ekiti Queens
and Heartland Queens will face off at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti.
Ekiti Queens managed to narrowly avoid relegation last
season, while Heartland Queens defied expectations by qualifying for the Super
Six from Group A.
Despite their struggles at the Super Six, Obi Ogbala’s
side will be aiming to build on that experience and continue their growth.
Ekiti Queens, under new coach Jacob Vandhi, will be hoping to improve on last
season’s performance and avoid another relegation battle.
Confluence Queens vs Remo Stars Ladies -
Anyigba
Another exciting matchup features Confluence Queens and
Remo Stars Ladies at the Anyigba City Stadium in Kogi State.
Confluence Queens finished second in Group A last season,
securing a Super Six spot but struggled to make an impact in the playoffs.
Their opponent, Remo Stars, had a solid debut season, finishing fifth in Group
B, and have been in good form recently, winning the Ogun State FA Cup and
reaching the semi-final of the 2024 President Federation Cup. Their success in
the Sheroes Cup adds further confidence as they prepare for the new season.
Nasarawa Amazons vs Dannaz Ladies - Lafia
Nasarawa Amazons will begin their campaign with a home
match against Dannaz Ladies at Lafia City Stadium. The Solid Babes finished top
of Group A last season but couldn’t replicate that success in the Super Six.
They will be determined to return to the Super Six playoffs, starting with a
strong result against Dannaz Ladies, who had a commendable debut season in
2023/24, finishing just outside the playoff spots.
Group B
Rivers Angels vs Ibom Angels - Port Harcourt
The first of two South-South derbies on Matchday 1 sees
Rivers Angels host Ibom Angels in Port Harcourt.
Rivers Angels came agonizingly close to claiming an
eighth league title last season, finishing second in the Super Six by a single
point. With new coach Tosan Blankson in charge, they will be eager to go one
better this season and secure that elusive title. Meanwhile, Ibom Angels return
to the top flight after a successful promotion campaign, and their new coach,
Edwin Okon, will be looking to make a strong start as they aim to retain their
top-flight status.
Adamawa Queens vs Naija Ratels FC - Gombe
In a Northern derby, Adamawa Queens host Naija Ratels at
the Pantami Stadium in Gombe.
Both teams finished on 17 points last season, with
Adamawa Queens emerging victorious in their last encounter, winning 2-0. Naija
Ratels, however, will be determined to bounce back and improve on their
mid-table finish, aiming for a spot in the Super Six this time around.
Benue Queens vs FC Robo Queens - Lafia
In a David vs Goliath encounter, newly promoted Benue
Queens will face FC Robo Queens at Lafia City Stadium.
Benue Queens, fresh off their return to the top flight,
will be hoping to make a statement in their debut season. Under the guidance of
experienced coach Liadi Bashiru, they will be looking for a positive result to
set the tone for their maiden top-flight campaign. On the other hand, FC Robo
Queens, perennial contenders in the league, will be hoping to secure a victory
to relaunch their bid for a return to the end of the season's Championship
Super Six tournament.
Bayelsa Queens vs Delta Queens - Yenegoa
The second South-South derby of the day sees Bayelsa
Queens host Delta Queens at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenegoa.
This fixture is one of the most anticipated of the
opening matchday, given the fierce rivalry between the two teams. Delta Queens
have had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning three of the last eight
meetings, while Bayelsa Queens have managed just one victory. Both teams now
have new coaches at the helm, with Tosan Blankson guiding Bayelsa Queens and
Peter Dedevbo taking over at Delta Queens. This match will set the tone for
both teams as they embark on their league campaigns.
With so many exciting fixtures on the horizon, Matchday 1
of the 2024/25 NWFL Premiership promises to deliver plenty of action as teams
jostle for early points and set their sights on achieving their season goals.
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