NWFL: Rivers Angels vs Bayelsa Queens Takes Centre Stage in MD5

As the 2024/25 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership enters Matchday 5, Rivers Angels face yet another South-South derby challenge against Bayelsa Queens today, February 12, 2025, at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

This derby is significant, as it features two former league champions with unbeaten records on the line.

Head-to-Head: Bayelsa Queens have a slight edge, having won five of their last 11 league meetings, while Rivers Angels have secured four victories. Their most recent encounter at the 2023/24 Super Six Playoffs ended in a 1-1 draw in Yenagoa.

To other games, Group A:

Edo Queens vs. Nasarawa Amazons
Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City

Defending champions Edo Queens are up against a determined Nasarawa Amazons team. After a perfect start to the season, Edo Queens have faltered in their last two matches, drawing 1-1 with both Remo Stars Ladies and Dannaz Ladies. Coach Moses Aduku will be eager to see his side return to winning ways and maintain their unbeaten record.

Nasarawa Amazons, meanwhile, have been one of the most consistent teams this season, with only one setback: a 3-0 loss to Abia Angels. They have convincingly won three of their four games and will look to capitalize on Edo Queens’ recent struggles to pull off an upset.

Head-to-Head: Edo Queens have dominated recent meetings, winning four of the last six clashes, while Nasarawa Amazons have managed two victories. Their last encounter ended 1-0 in favour of Edo Queens at the 2024 Premiership Super Six Playoffs, thanks to a goal from Suliyat Abideen.

Ekiti Queens vs. Confluence Queens
Venue: Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti Queens have been solid at home, winning both of their previous games against Heartland Queens and Dannaz Ladies. Under coach Jacob Vandhi, they have built a formidable home advantage in Ado-Ekiti and will be favourites against a struggling Confluence Queens side.

Confluence Queens have had a disastrous season so far, losing all four matches and conceding nine goals while scoring just one. Coach Sabo Okala must address the team’s defensive shortcomings to earn their first point of the campaign.

Head-to-Head: This will be the first-ever NWFL Premiership meeting between the two teams.

Heartland Queens vs. Dannaz Ladies
Venue: Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri

Heartland Queens are in desperate need of their first win of the season. After three losses and a 1-1 draw against Naija Ratels, coach Obi Ogbala is under pressure to turn things around.

Their 4-1 defeat to Remo Stars Ladies last week exposed significant defensive weaknesses, which they must address. Dannaz Ladies have struggled on the road, losing their last two away games to Nasarawa Amazons and Ekiti Queens. Nonetheless, they have shown flashes of quality, managing to hold Edo Queens to a 1-1 draw last week.

Head-to-Head: The two teams met twice last season, with each winning at home. Heartland Queens won 2-1 in Owerri, whereas Dannaz Ladies triumphed 2-0 in Lagos.

Remo Stars Ladies vs. Abia Angels
Venue: Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne

Remo Stars Ladies have been one of the standout teams this season, remaining unbeaten after four games—winning three and drawing 1-1 with defending champions Edo Queens. Their top scorer, Bolaji Olamide, has been in sensational form, scoring in every match so far.

Abia Angels have experienced a resurgence under coach Adanna Nwaneri. After suffering a 5-0 defeat by Edo Queens on Matchday 1, they bounced back with two impressive 3-0 victories over Nasarawa Amazons and Confluence Queens, followed by a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Heartland Queens.

Head-to-Head: The only league encounter last season between Remo Stars and Abia Angels ended in a 1-1 draw.

Group B:

Naija Ratels vs. Delta Queens
Venue: Bwari Township, Abuja

Naija Ratels have drawn three of their four games, with their only win coming against Ibom Angels (2-1). They will aim for maximum points against an inconsistent Delta Queens team.

Delta Queens have struggled this season, managing just one victory from four games. Their recent 2-1 home loss to Rivers Angels has compounded their woes, and they will need a strong performance in Abuja to revive their campaign.

Head-to-Head: Delta Queens have won two of their last three meetings, with their last encounter ending in a 0-0 draw.

FC Robo Queens vs. Ibom Angels
Venue: Onikan Stadium, Lagos

FC Robo Queens were frustrated in a 2-2 draw against Naija Ratels last week and will look to return to winning ways at home. They have a solid record at the Legacy Pitch, and coach Emmanuel Osahon will expect more from his squad.

Ibom Angels are coming off their first win of the season (2-1 against Benue Queens). However, their record in Lagos is concerning, including a 7-1 defeat to FC Robo in the 2022/23 season. They must show defensive resilience to avoid a similar outcome.

Head-to-Head: FC Robo Queens have won two of their last three meetings, while Ibom Angels have won one.