Gameweek 10 of the NWFL Premiership is upon us, and with the season heading into its final stretch, every point matters. From top-of-the-table clashes to desperate survival battles, here are eight key storylines that could shape the league moving forward.
1. Edo Queens Face Bottom Side Heartland Queens – A Routine Win or an Upset?
With just one point separating Edo Queens and Remo Stars Ladies at the top of Group A, Coach Moses Aduku would be looking to secure a championship playoff ticket with some games to spare but to do so, Edo must stay concentrated to maintain control. They welcome Heartland Queens, who will be looking to distance themselves from further relegation tussles. Edo’s defense has been near impenetrable this season and the defending champions haven't trailed at any point in a game this season, but can Heartland disrupt their rhythm?
2. Remo Stars Ladies Test Their Away Strength Against Ekiti Queens.
Remo Stars Ladies have been dominant this season, but their only loss came on the road. With Ekiti Queens looking to bounce back from their GW9 defeat, this matchup could test Remo’s resolve in another tricky away fixture. RSL attacking duo of Bolaji Olamide and Kafayat Bashiru have been in lethal form, but Ekiti’s home record suggests they won’t go down easily. Ekiti Queens have made a habit of only picking up points in home games and they did that quite well in the first stanza but as they now play their home games outside Ekiti and potentially away from their supporters, RSL will be looking to plunder but that's not all. Bolaji Olamide has nine goals for RSL this season and could equal Gift Monday's record of 10 for most goals in a single campaign if she gets a goal on this trip.
3. Nasarawa Amazons vs. Abia Angels: The Biggest Game of GW10.
In a battle for the third spot, only two points separate Nasarawa Amazons (18 pts) and Abia Angels (16 pts) in Group A and both teams are locked in a tight battle for the final playoff ticket in their group. It is true that both sides have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but concentration in this fixture and consistency in subsequent ones will be key. A win for either side strengthens their playoff chances, while a loss could make the qualification hopes further bleak. Abia’s attack has been potent, but Nasarawa Amazons have a home advantage and a knack for grinding out crucial wins. The race for the final playoff spot could really hinge on this encounter.
4. Rivers Angels Host Naija Ratels in a Top-3 Battle.
Rivers Angels are unbeaten this season, and their defensive solidity has been a major factor. However, Naija Ratels are no pushovers, sitting third in Group B and eager to pull further away from a chasing FC Robo side who has been inconsistent. Since Robo Queens are favorites to win their GW10 fixture, Naija Ratels must make efforts to build on their current three-point gap on Robo in fourth. If they can take points off Rivers, the entire group dynamic could shift. On the other hand, Mary Moses has been outstanding for Rivers, but can she lead them past a determined Ratels side or will Naija Ratels break Rivers Angels’ resistance and end their unbeaten run?
5. Can FC Robo Queens Build on Their 8-1 Demolition Job?
FC Robo Queens made a statement in GW9, thrashing Benue Queens 8-1. Now, they visit Adamawa Queens, who are fighting to confirm top-flight football next season. If FC Robo can replicate their attacking form, they could solidify their playoff push, especially with Naija Ratels, who currently occupy that third spot, traveling to Port-Harcourt to face Rivers Angels. But can Adamawa tighten up at the back and avoid another goal fest?
6. A Lifeline for Benue Queens? Or More Misery?
With zero points from nine games, life in the topflight league hasn't been fun for Benue Queens this season. This week, they welcome Delta Queens, who are also struggling for consistency. It is still possible for Benue Queens to turn their season around with five games to go, but if there’s any chance for them to finally pick up their first points, this might be it. A loss, however, could further seal their fate.
7. Bayelsa Queens vs. Ibom Angels – Top vs. Midtable Showdown.
Bayelsa Queens (23 pts) remain unbeaten, but Ibom Angels have been unpredictable this season. With Rivers Angels level on points, Bayelsa must keep winning to maintain their grip on Group B. Bayelsa Queens have been relentless at the top of Group B, but Ibom Angels have shown they can upset big teams. With Bayelsa Queens sharing the same points as Rivers Angels (also 23 pts), any slip-up could prove costly. Will Bayelsa extend their lead, or will Ibom Angels throw a spanner in the works?
8. Confluence Queens vs. Dannaz Ladies: Up or Down?
It’s been a season to forget for both Confluence Queens (3 pts) and Dannaz Ladies (5 pts). They enjoyed all the plaudits in the last campaign but are on each other's heels in the race to avoid relegation this season. Dannaz Ladies (7th) currently sit above Confluence Queens in eighth place but a win for Coach Sabo Okala's side could see them trade places. On the other hand, a win for Diana Asak's lagos-based Dannaz could see them equal Heartland Queens points tally if Heartland drops all points against Edo Queens. One thing that is, however, certain is that this fixture presents a golden opportunity for both teams and the decision as to who stays up or gets relegated could largely depend on the outcome of this fixture.
Full GW10 Fixtures
Group A
Edo Queens vs Heartland Queens
Ekiti Queens vs Remo Stars Ladies
Confluence Queens vs Dannaz Ladies
Nasarawa Amazons vs Abia Angels
Group B
Rivers Angles vs Naija Ratels
Adamawa Queens vs FC Robo Queens
Benue Queens vs Delta Queens
Bayelsa Queens vs Ibom Angels
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