Bayelsa begin NWFL title defence with victory over Edo Queens

Defending champions, Bayelsa Queens, started their Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership title defence with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over arch rivals Edo Queens in the opening match of the 2025/2026 season played yesterday at the Samson Siasia Stadium Yenagoa However, the match didn’t end without controversies as the visitors threatened to abandon the contest […]

Defending champions, Bayelsa Queens, started their Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership title defence with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over arch rivals Edo Queens in the opening match of the 2025/2026 season played yesterday at the Samson Siasia Stadium Yenagoa

However, the match didn’t end without controversies as the visitors threatened to abandon the contest before their second goal was reinstated by the referee.

Adegbemile Rebecca’s header in the 23rd minute put Edo Queens ahead, but Kindness Ifeanyi equalised for Bayelsa Queens just before the first half break.

On resumption, Kindness the goalscorer turned provider when she assisted Janet Akekoromowei to put the hosts ahead in the 48th minute.

The undaunted Edo Queens thought they had found an equaliser when Nwachukwu Adanna scrambled the ball into Bayelsa Queens’ net, but the goal was disallowed by the referee who adjudged that a foul was committed against the hosts’ goalkeeper, Linda Jiwuaku, in the build-up.

Following the referee’s decision, Edo Queens’ players and officials threatened to walk-off the pitch but normalcy was restored when the referee finally admitted the goal, bringing scores to 2-2.

But Bayelsa Queens scored the winning goal in the seventh minute of second added time when Blessing Ilevieda converted the penalty that was awarded to them to make it 3-2.

In other Group A matches, Heartland Queens edged Ekiti Queens 2-1 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri, Adamawa Queens humbled newcomers Pacesetters Queens 2-0 while Naija Ratels of Abuja shared the spoils in a goalless draw with Ibom Angels at the Bwari Township Stadium.

In Group B, former champions Nasarawa Queens fought back to defeat Delta Queens 2-1. The visitors took the lead as early as the 14th minute through a Nora Davies’ free-kick, but Jones Imoh equalised for Amazons in the 40th minute before Hembafan Ayaste sealed the opening day win with her goal in the 46th minute.

In another Group B match, Dannaz Ladies and Osun Babes produced a five-goal thriller at the Onikan Stadium with the hosts running away with a 3-2 win.

At the Edo State University Pitch, Iyamho, visiting Abia Angels forced Confluence Queens of Lokoja to a 2-2 draw, while Ahudiyannem Queens were forced to a 0-0 draw at home by Remo Ladies.

Meanwhile, Marvelous Oladuni’s goal in the 45th minute against Sunshine Queens earned Robo Queens the only away win of Matchday One.