NWFL Premiership Season Begins with History Under the Lights: Edo Queens Shine Bright in Opener

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The 2024/25 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership kicked off in spectacular fashion on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, marking a historic milestone as the league’s first-ever match under floodlights lit up the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. Defending champions Edo Queens celebrated the occasion with a scintillating 5-0 victory over Abia Angels, delighting fans and setting a high bar for the season.

It took just minutes for Miracle Usani to announce herself, scoring a quick opener against her former side to ignite the crowd. By halftime, Emem Essien had doubled the lead, and the Queens were in cruise control. The second half became a masterclass in finishing, as Goodness Osigwe, Loveth Edeh, and Kafayat Mafisere each added their names to the scoresheet, leaving Abia Angels with no answers to the onslaught.

Elsewhere, there was no shortage of drama. Remo Stars Ladies pulled off a stunning 3-1 comeback against Confluence Queens in Anyigba. After trailing 1-0 to Idayat Olanrewaju’s first-half goal, Remo roared back with second-half strikes from Olasubomi Ogundele, Oluwaseyi Arubo, and Olamide Bolaji, showcasing the tactical acumen of coach Wemimo Mathew.

Ekiti Queens edged out Heartland Queens 1-0 in Ado Ekiti, with Odunayo Olaleye’s goal proving the difference, while Nasarawa Amazons left it late to seal a 1-0 victory over Dannaz Ladies in Lafia courtesy of Shola Shobowale.

FC Robo Queens asserted their dominance with a commanding 5-1 win over league debutants Benue Queens in Lafia. Goals from Favour Nwokocha, Tosin Rafiu (brace), Kemi Adegbuyi, and Mariam Yahaya sealed the emphatic result, leaving no doubt about their ambitions this season.

The South-South derbies brought their share of excitement, as Bayelsa Queens clinched a 1-0 win against Delta Queens through Sefiat Idris’ late strike, while Rivers Angels edged Ibom Angels 2-1 in a game marred by own goals and capped by Ifeoma Ikenokwalu’s decisive finish.

In Gombe, the Northern Derby between Naija Ratels and Adamawa Queens ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw, with both sides sharing the spoils after second-half goals from Tunmininu Adeshina and Injimaco Mnunenge.

After Matchday 1, Edo Queens and FC Robo Queens sit atop Groups A and B, each with a five-star performance to their name. With the league now offering weekly Star Matches broadcast live, fans can look forward to more thrilling action as the competition unfolds.