The Nigerian Women's Premiership continues to heat up. GW3 promises thrilling encounters across Groups A and B. Two standout fixtures take center stage, featuring top-of-the-table clashes that could shape the league early on. There are also zonal derbies on the menu this Wednesday (Jan 29) as fans buckle up for a crunchy midweek.

Another interesting thing to look out for would be how the Goals chart will shape up after this gameweek. Before we get all buzzed up on that, we have combed through the records on this gameweek fixtures and here’s what you can expect:

Spotlight Fixture 1: Edo Queens vs. Remo Stars Ladies

Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City

Edo Queens host Remo Stars Ladies in what could be the most anticipated game of the season so far. Both teams come into this game with winning streaks, with six points each from their first two matches. Edo Queens are top of the table, and RSL only trail by goal difference, setting the stage for an epic showdown.

Last season, this fixture ended in favor of Edo Queens, with Emem Essien scoring the winner in the 35th minute. This time, however, RSL are looking stronger than ever after their impressive debut campaign last season and back-to-back victories this term. Edo Queens are also finding their rhythm, slowly recapturing the form that made them nearly untouchable a few seasons ago.

With the home advantage and a solid start to the season, they will definitely aim to maintain their dominance in this fixture.

Spotlight Fixture 2: Rivers Angels vs. FC Robo Queens

Venue: Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt

This Group B clash pits Rivers Angels, one of the league’s most storied teams, against FC Robo Queens, who are enjoying a phenomenal start to the season. FC Robo have scored six goals in their first two matches, making them the joint-best attacking side in the league. The Lagos Landladies are also top of Group B.

Historically, Rivers Angels have been dominant in this fixture, with FC Robo managing just a point from their last three trips to Port Harcourt. The Jewels of Rivers are currently two points behind FC Robo. They would also need a statement win to overtake the red-hot Lagosians. Both teams are unbeaten, but given FC Robo’s current form, buoyed by key players like Opeyemi Ajakaye and Favour Nkwocha, this could potentially be a game-changer.

How does FC Robo handle the pressure in a stadium where they’ve struggled historically? What would Rivers Angels’ defensive strategy be against FC Robo’s free-scoring attack?

Other Fixtures to Watch

Group A

Ekiti Queens vs. Dannaz Ladies

This is a battle between two mid-table sides as both teams are level on points but separated by goal difference. Given their near death experience last season, Ekiti Queens will appreciate their current position and hope to move upwards. As such, they will rely on their home advantage to propel them to a much needed three points.

Dannaz Ladies will want to continue building momentum after their win in GW2. The Cedars had initially succumbed to a narrow defeat on gameweek one but bounced back with two first half goals last week to secure a much needed 2-0 win but this is a different test. This fixture also marks their first-ever meeting in the NWFL Premiership.

On whose side will the tree fall?

Confluence Queens vs. Nasarawa Amazons

Both teams were the top two in this same group last season, but this time around, they are really struggling to build a rhythm. Last week, Nasarawa Amazons were victims of Abia Angel's resurgence, but Confluence Queens are still chasing their first points of the season. This game could be crucial, especially for the hosts, as they would feel that they have to get off the mark and leave the relegation zone. Another defeat could raise serious concerns as we slowly approach the crucial midseason.

Heartland Queens vs. Abia Angels

The Oriental Derby sees Heartland Queens desperately seeking their first win after back-to-back losses. Abia Angels, fresh from a dominant 3-0 win over Nasarawa Amazons, will look to extend their good form.

Group B

Adamawa Queens vs. Delta Queens

Delta Queens head into this game as favorites, but they are still struggling to reestablish themselves and discover that league winning form two seasons ago. Adamawa Queens couldn't hold on to Tarfa Anastasia's goal when they traveled to Lagos last week. They fell narrowly to a late goal in gameweek two but will aim to use their home crowd to gain an edge over the six-time champions.

Benue Queens vs. Bayelsa Queens

This is the first-ever top-flight meeting between both sides. The hosts are still adapting to life in the top flight. They will be eager to earn their first top-flight point in this matchup. Bayelsa Queens, on the other hand, would be disappointed for not picking up maximum points against newly promoted Ibom Angels last week, but they will target all three points as they take on another newly promoted side in Benue Queens.

Battle of the Winless: Naija Ratels vs. Ibom Angels

Perhaps the most crucial fixture of the gameweek. Both teams are currently in the bottom half of Group B and have all to play for in this fixture. They have both struggled so far and are only a point apart. Naija Ratels have garnered two points from two draws in previous game weeks, but Ibom Angels sole point came from a hard-earned draw against Bayelsa Queens last time out. Can either side break the deadlock and gain the crucial three points?

#AlliNewsNWFL