With just four matchdays to go, the race to the NWFL Premiership playoffs is heating up like a pot of jollof on high fire. Gameweek 11 could just be the week dreams get dashed or revived. The playoff picture is taking shape, and the relegation quicksand is also starting to claim victims. Whether it’s a qualification tilt in Ikenne or a survival scrap in Lafia, this round has drama written all over it. Here’s what to expect as we enter the business end of the season:

Group A: All Eyes on Lafia, Ikenne and Umuahia.

Remo Stars Ladies vs Edo Queens

Top plays second in what’s easily the headline clash of the round. Remo Stars Ladies and Edo Queens are separated by just one point — 26 and 25 respectively — and neither side has tasted defeat in weeks. A win for Remo takes them top and nearly seals their playoff slot. Edo, on the other hand, will look to stay unbeaten and pick an early ticket. This one’s got all the makings of a heavyweight bout.

Playoff Implication: Winner could confirm playoff qualification and sit pretty as Group A leader. A draw extends the wait and keeps the race open for Nasarawa to try and sneak in the top two.

Dannaz Ladies vs Ekiti Queens

This is a mid-table tug-of-war with deeper consequences. Ekiti Queens are five points clear of the drop zone, but a slip-up here and a win for Heartland or even Confluence could throw them back in the frying pan with nine points still left to fight for this season. Dannaz, still licking wounds from last week’s goalless draw, are desperate for a result — anything but a win might close the door on survival hopes as Confluence Queens look ready to throw in the kitchen sink.

Relegation Watch: If Dannaz don’t win and Confluence grab points, it could be curtains.

Nasarawa Amazons vs Confluence Queens

Nasarawa Amazons are in firm contention for a playoff spot, just five points behind the leaders. With both top-ranked teams facing each other this week, Nasarawa would hope to plunder if either or both teams drop points and they can win all three in Lafia. Confluence Queens, dead last with only 3 points, are living on borrowed time. They missed the chance to swap spots with Dannaz last week, so they must hope others take the points they couldn't off Dannaz while they also don't drop any. This task is herculean for them and a loss here could all but confirm their relegation unless they find an escape route in the final three weeks.

The Math: Confluence have scored just two goals all season. If they can’t find the net in Lafia, they may as well start planning for the Championship.

Abia Angels vs Heartland Queens

Abia Angels need to bounce back after falling to Nasarawa last week. They're still clinging to fourth place and a win here could push them one point behind the top 3 if Nasarawa stumbles. Heartland Queens are not entirely out of the relegation woods and they’ve only scored six goals all season and sit sixth with eight points. They’ll need to avoid complacency if they want to leave Umuahia with anything. On the flip side, Heartland, with a win, could go above Ekiti if other results go their way.

Sneaky Surprise: Heartland Queens have no reason to panic just yet but their destiny is in their hands.

GROUP B: Crunches and Close Calls.

FC Robo Queens vs Rivers Angels

FC Robo are back in playoff contention after that 3-1 thumping of Adamawa last week. But Rivers Angels aren’t in the mood to give freebies. Rivers Angels are joint-top with Bayelsa Queens and aiming to stay there. For Robo, it’s entering the now-or-never zone and being able to grind out a result in this fixture might just break Naija Ratels' resolve. They’ve scored the most goals in the league (26), but leaky defending could cost them against Rivers’ clinical attack.

One to Watch: This one could be an end-to-end affair. Expect fireworks in Lagos.

Delta Queens vs Adamawa Queens

Both teams are in a tricky middle ground — not quite safe, not quite in the mix. A win for Delta would put them on 14 points, possibly assuring them of a top-flight campaign next season if things go their way. For Adamawa, the fight is about staying above water and avoiding being pulled back into the relegation whirlpool.

Pressure Cooker: Adamawa won the reverse fixture 3-0 but they haven’t kept a clean sheet since Gameweek 5 and have lost their last five consecutive matches. That’s not a stat you want heading into Asaba.

Bayelsa Queens vs Benue Queens

Bayelsa Queens haven’t lost a single game this season and have kept things tighter than a drum at the back. For Benue, they are bottom of the table with just one point and Coach Liaidi would be looking to build on last week's milestone against Delta Queens, but this matchup could be another uphill climb. The prosperity girls who host them are simply too good at home and too ruthless when they smell blood.

Harsh Truth: A loss here and prayers might not even fix Benue's season anymore.

Ibom Angels vs Naija Ratels

This could be a banana peel for Naija Ratels. Ibom Angels have been inconsistent at times, but they would fancy their chances at home against Samson Keshi's visiting Ratels. Ratels are currently fourth, and if Robo wins their match, Ratels might just further fall out of the top 3 with just three games to go unless they can win in Uyo. Fresh off last week's officiating saga, Coach Samson Keshi, who is making his debut in the league with Naija Ratels after his previous spell with male teams, would love nothing more than to overtake FC Robo again and make it to the Championship Playoff in his first trial. He has really led an impressive side that's slowly and steadily stabilized their way into the playoff conversation but he must anticipate Rivers Angels would extend the courtesy of beating FC Robo in Lagos to them.

Trap Game: Ibom could play party spoilers, especially if they score first.

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