Bayelsa Queens vs Edo Queens: South-South Derby Headlines NWFL Premiership Opener
The 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership season kicks off on Wednesday, November 26, with 20 clubs spread across two groups vying for early momentum in what promises to be a campaign filled with drama, surprises, and renewed rivalries.
Ten matches are scheduled for opening day, setting the stage for a season where debutantes will seek survival, heavyweights will battle for supremacy, and coaches with national team pedigree will showcase tactical ingenuity.
The headline clash sees defending champions Bayelsa Queens welcome 2023/24 winners Edo Queens to the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa. This South-South derby has quickly become one of the league’s most anticipated fixtures.
Bayelsa Queens hold the upper hand historically, winning four of the last seven encounters, while Edo Queens have managed just one victory. That solitary triumph, a 1–0 win in the 2025 Super Six, was the only blemish on Bayelsa’s otherwise perfect run last season.
With both sides boasting experienced squads and national team stars, this opener could set the tone for a season-long title race.
Elsewhere in Group A, Adamawa Queens host newcomers Pacesetter Queens in Makwada. Pacesetter arrive with youthful energy and seasoned recruits, hoping to emulate the survival success of other recent entrants like Remo Stars Ladies and Dannaz Ladies.
Adamawa, who finished seventh in Group B last season, will rely on midfield stability and defensive discipline to counter Pacesetter’s dynamic attack.
In Owerri, Heartland Queens face Ekiti Queens in a fixture that last season produced narrow 1–0 home wins for both sides. Heartland have bolstered their attack, while Ekiti enter their third consecutive topflight season determined to consolidate their status.
In Abuja, Naija Ratels look to end a ten-game losing streak when they meet Ibom Angels, who narrowly missed Super Six qualification last term under veteran coach Edwin Okon.
Both sides won their home fixtures 2–1 last season, suggesting another tight contest. The scheduled Castmog Ladies vs Rivers Angels match in Abeokuta has been cancelled, with Rivers granted a bye following Castmog’s relegation due to licensing issues.
Group B also offers intriguing battles. Nasarawa Amazons begin their title quest in Lafia against Delta Queens, champions in 2022/23 but absent from the Super Six for two straight seasons. Both sides won their home meetings 1–0 last year, pointing to another tactical duel where finishing efficiency will be decisive.
Confluence Queens, who endured a torrid campaign with 11 losses in 14 games, face Abia Angels in Iyamho. Despite Confluence’s superior historical record, Abia have won the last two encounters, including a narrow 1–0 victory, and will look to extend that run.
In Akure, newly promoted Sunshine Queens take on FC Robo Queens. Robo hold a slight edge in recent meetings, but Sunshine stunned them 3–0 in their last clash, making defensive organization versus attacking fluidity the key storyline.
Abiriba hosts debutants Ahudiyannem Queens, led by former Super Falcons assistant Ann Chiejine, against Wemimo Matthew’s Remo Stars Ladies, who reached last season’s Super Six. With both coaches holding CAF-A licenses, this promises a tactical chess match reminiscent of their 2–2 draw last season.
Finally, Lagos welcomes a fresh Southwest derby as Dannaz Ladies meet newly promoted Osun Babes. Osun have historically struggled in Lagos, losing 3–1 to FC Robo in 2020/21, but both sides will be eager to build momentum through tactical maturity and set-piece efficiency.
From heavyweight clashes to debutante ambitions, the 2025/26 NWFL Premiership promises intensity from the very first whistle. Fans can expect a season defined by fierce competition, tactical battles, and the emergence of new rivalries across Nigeria’s footballing landscape.
