Matchday 3 of the 2024/25 NWFL Premiership delivered high-intensity action across the country, with key fixtures shaping the early race.

There was no vanquished and no victor in Benin as Edo Queens and Remo Stars Ladies played out a thrilling draw. Rivers Angels in our other spotlight fixture asserted their dominance with a 4-2 victory over FC Robo Queens.

Elsewhere, Bayelsa Queens overwhelmed newcomers Benue Queens, and a hat trick heroine emerged as Adamawa Queens secured their first win of the season—putting three unreplied goals past the six-time champions.

Here's all the drama from the eight games held today:

Edo Queens 1-1 Remo Stars Ladies

Edo Queens and Remo Stars Ladies came into their top-of-the-table clash in Benin with identical records—two wins from two. Something had to give, but neither side could claim full points as they settled for a 1-1 draw. The result keeps both teams unbeaten and joint-top of Group A, with goal difference keeping Edo Queens ahead.

Esther Moses gave Edo Queens the lead deep into first-half stoppage time after converting a penalty from a handball offence, but RSL responded quickly after the restart. Olamide Bolaji capitalized on a defensive lapse to level the score in the 50th minute, securing a hard-fought point for the visitors. This also makes it three consecutive games where Olamide Bolaji had scored a goal for the Sky Blue Ladies.

Rivers Angels 4-2 FC Robo Queens

Port Harcourt proved an unhappy hunting ground for FC Robo Queens once again, as they fell 4-2 to Rivers Angels in an end-to-end contest at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium. Rivers got off to a flying start through Ifeoma Polinus’ ninth-minute goal, but FC Robo responded swiftly, with Kemi Adegbuji equalizing just four minutes later.

The second half, however, belonged to the home side. Aminat Folorunsho restored Rivers Angels’ lead before an own goal from Fasilat Adeyemo made it 3-1. Peace Effiong then converted from the penalty spot in the 65th minute to put the game beyond reach. Chidinma Ogbuchi’s late goal for FC Robo was only a consolation as Rivers Angels secured a crucial three points.

Adamawa Queens 3-0 Delta Queens

After a slow start to the season, Adamawa Queens played with some rhythm today, securing a commanding victory over Delta Queens in Gombe. Afensimi Omon stole the show with a brilliant hat-trick. The striker scored in the two minutes into first half stoppage time to give her side the advantage going into the break. She added a couple more in the 60th and 75th minutes to then give her side a comfortable win. The result provides a much-needed boost for these Northern Queens, who will now look to build on this momentum.

Benue Queens 1-5 Bayelsa Queens

There were no surprises in Lafia as Bayelsa Queens delivered a statement performance, thrashing debutants Benue Queens 5-1. Chinwe Akabike opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Amblessed Ogbonnaya doubled the lead three minutes later. Vera Samuel added one more before the break and Ogbonnaya struck again shortly after the restart to make it 4-0. The hosts also pulled one back through Anastasia Emefo’s 54th-minute goal, but Rita Uduakabong added a late fifth to seal what was already an emphatic win for Bayelsa Queens.

Confluence Queens 0-1 Nasarawa Amazons

Nasarawa Amazons edged Confluence Queens 1-0 in Anyigba, with Shobowale Olusola scoring the decisive goal in the 29th minute. This result means that Confluence Queens remain winless, while Nasarawa Amazons have now picked up their second win of the season. It also mounts pressure on the hosts who have lost back-to-back home games this season and would have to start manufacturing some positives if they want to give themselves a fighting chance.

Heartland Queens 0-0 Abia Angels

The much-anticipated clash between Heartland Queens and Abia Angels ended in a goalless draw at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. Despite a determined performance, Heartland remain winless in the campaign, while Abia Angels grew one point better than they were last gameweek. Heartland coach, Obi Ogbala, addressed his team's poor goalscoring form saying it is something that would be worked on to ensure the team takes their chances going forward.

Ekiti Queens 2-0 Dannaz Ladies

After a narrow defeat last week, Ekiti Queens bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Dannaz Ladies in Ado Ekiti. The captain, Seun Fakunle, opened the scoring in the 36th minute, and Tobi Sarafa doubled the lead in the 55th minute, ensuring a well-deserved three points for the home side.

Naija Ratels 2-1 Ibom Angels

In what we tagged the Battle of the Winless, Naija Ratels completed the comeback to register their first win of the season in a dramatic fashion. Ugobest Osuji had stunned the home fans with an early goal for Ibom Angels in the sixth minute, but Naija Ratels fought back. Glory Sunday got the equalizer in the 72nd minute before Tea-Bee Rita completed the turnaround with an 83rd-minute winner. This compounds issues for Ibom Angels who can't seem to find anything to show for their brave efforts but bolsters Naija Ratels hope as they continue to climb out of the bottom half.

With three rounds completed, the league is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years even as we approach the midseason mark. Edo Queens and RSL might grab all the attention, but Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens are also slowly making strong title claims. At the other end of the spectrum, Heartland Queens and Confluence Queens are still searching for their first wins.

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