Day 4 Review: Bayelsa Queens stumble, Edo Queens seize top spot in NWFL Super Six
(Yenogoa, NWFL Media) – The 2023/2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six has become increasingly thrilling as teams continue their quest for the title, with contrasting results on Matchday Four setting up a tantalizing final matchday on Sunday.
Three teams—Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, and Bayelsa Queens—remain in contention for the title following the outcomes of Matchday Four at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State capital, on Friday.
Bayelsa Queens 0-0 Heartland Queens
Hosts Bayelsa Queens experienced a setback in their title ambitions after a goalless draw with Heartland Queens, mirroring their last two league encounters from the 2022/2023 season.
In the 23rd minute, Mercy Omokwo almost celebrated a goal, but it was ruled out for offside. Just three minutes later, Heartland’s Uchenna Chukwu made a point-blank save to deny Sakirat Moshood.
Chukwu also thwarted Zainab Olopade’s free-kick attempt in the 43rd minute. The match ended in a stalemate as neither team could break the deadlock for the third consecutive head-to-head game.
As a result, the final Matchday will be crucial, with Bayelsa Queens facing Edo Queens in a potentially decisive winner-take-all duel, depending on the outcome of Rivers Angels’ match against Heartland Queens.
Rivers Angels 2-0 Confluence Queens
Rivers Angels secured their second win of the Super Six with a 2-0 victory over Confluence Queens, thanks to a second-half brace by Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.
In the first half, Confluence Queens survived a goal-mouth scramble from Ogbonda Whyte’s side around the 30-minute mark.
Lokoja-based goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu put up a strong performance, rebuffing Rivers’ attempts until the 68th minute, when Rivers broke the deadlock off a rebound.
Okwuchukwu then doubled the lead in the 89th minute, giving Rivers a two-goal cushion ahead of their final match against Heartland Queens.
Edo Queens 1-0 Nasarawa Amazons
The third match between Edo Queens and Nasarawa Amazons was a closely contested affair. Moses Aduku‘s side managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory, moving to the top of the table with nine points.
Edo Queens captain Suliat Abideen’s brilliance in the 81st minute secured the win for the Benin Arsenals, leaving the league title up for grabs among the top three teams.
Edo Queens now lead with nine points, followed closely by Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens, each with eight points. Confluence Queens (3 points), Heartland Queens (2 points), and Nasarawa Amazons (2 points) complete the standings.
🚨MATCHDAY 4️⃣ RESULTS
📅 Friday, 24 May
🏟️ Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa 📍#NWFL24| #NWFLPremiershipSuper6|#WomenFootballRising| pic.twitter.com/V33yyit9dO
— NWFL (@TheNWFL) May 24, 2024
Stakes for the Final Matchday
On Sunday, a win for Edo Queens over Bayelsa Queens would secure the title for Aduku, marking his second Nigerian league championship with a second team.
Conversely, a win for Bayelsa Queens could seal the title, depending on the outcome of Rivers Angels’ match against Heartland Queens, which might ultimately be decided by goals scored and goal differentials.