NWFL 25: Rivers Angels, Delta Queens Lock Horns as Games Intensify on Matchday 4

Matchday three in the Nigeria Women’s Football League delivered mouthwatering footballing action, and Matchday four promises to do just the the same with Rivers Angels and Delta Queens clashing in the South-South Derby.

On Matchday three, it was a battle of the tale toppers, as well as feisty derbies that saw 23 goals scored and four clean sheets kept. Matchday four has another round of thrilling encounters in the offing as Five teams: Edo Queens, Remo Stars Ladies, Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens, and Naija Ratels, put their unbeaten records on the line, aiming to maintain momentum in the race for Super Six spots.

Heading into the season, Rivers Angels, under the tutelage of Former Delta Queens coach Tosan Blankson, recruited five players from the Delta-based side, including Goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi and Midfielder Taiwo Afolabi who have featured as starters in all three games played.

Under coach Blankson’s guidance, Delta Queens won the league in 2022/23, but now, he aims to lead Rivers Angels to victory against his former side to solidify his side’s place in the Super Six.

Rivers Angels have won two of their opening three matches(2-1 against Ibom Angels, 4-2 against FC Robo Queens) with a 1-1 draw against Naija Ratels in Abuja as their only setback. Meanwhile, Delta Queens have had a mixed start—losing to Bayelsa Queens (1-0) and Adamawa Queens (3-0) but securing a 2-0 win over Benue Queens.

In their last nine meetings, Rivers Angels have won three times, while Delta Queens have won once. Five matches ended in draws, including four goalless stalemates. Rivers Angels won the last encounter 1-0 in Port Harcourt, while Delta Queens claimed a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture.

Group A Fixtures:

• Dannaz Ladies vs. Edo Queens (Lagos): The reigning champions, Edo Queens, aim to bounce back from their 1-1 draw against Remo Stars Ladies.
• Nasarawa Amazons vs. Ekiti Queens (Lafia): Both teams seek their third league victory, with Nasarawa Amazons and Ekiti Queens currently tied on six points.
• Abia Angels vs. Confluence Queens (Umuahia): Abia Angels look to break their jinx against Confluence Queens, who have dominated this fixture in recent seasons.
• Remo Stars Ladies vs. Heartland Queens (Ikenne): Remo Stars Ladies, joint-top of Group A, face a struggling Heartland Queens side still seeking their first win.

Group B Fixtures:

• Ibom Angels vs. Benue Queens (Uyo): Both Ibom Angels and Benue Queens search for their first victory of the season, making this a crucial fixture in the battle to avoid relegation.
• FC Robo Queens vs. Naija Ratels (Lagos): Naija Ratels take their unbeaten record to Lagos, where they face an FC Robo Queens side looking to bounce back from a 4-2 loss to Rivers Angels.
• Bayelsa Queens vs. Adamawa Queens (Yenagoa): Bayelsa Queens, who hit top form last week, host an Adamawa Queens side that has shown resilience and secured their first win with a 3-0 triumph over Delta Queens.