With just three matchdays left in the regular season, the NWFL Premiership is barreling toward its crescendo. Gameweek 12 could very well separate the hopefuls from the helpless, as six playoff spots hang in the balance — three already claimed and three still up for grabs.

Edo Queens, Bayelsa Queens, and Rivers Angels have already secured their tickets to the Championship Playoffs. Now, the spotlight turns to Remo Stars Ladies, Nasarawa Amazons, and FC Robo Queens, who are in pole position to complete the Super Six line-up.

At the other end of the table, Benue Queens are one fulltime whistle from relegation, while Confluence Queens and Adamawa Queens are running out of road in the survival race. Let's quickly run you through what to expect in each fixture groups as we enter another dramatic matchday.

Group A

Edo Queens vs Dannaz Ladies

Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City

Reverse fixture: 1-1 draw in Lagos

Edo Queens are flying. Still unbeaten after 11 games, the Benin-based side are looking unstoppable. Their playoff spot is already confirmed, but they’ll want to maintain their unbeaten streak and keep building momentum.

Dannaz Ladies, meanwhile, are still stuck in no-man’s land. With just one win all season, the odds are firmly stacked against them. But if football teaches us anything, it’s that you don’t walk into any ground thinking the points are already in your pocket.

Ekiti Queens vs Nasarawa Amazons

Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan

Reverse fixture: Nasarawa won 2-0 in Lafia

Ekiti Queens finally grabbed their first point on the road last week — a small but symbolic victory. Still, they remain outside playoff contention and finishing in the top three would be the least of their concerns as they would be gunning for another top-flight season.

Nasarawa Amazons, on the other hand, are red-hot. A 5–0 demolition of Confluence Queens showed they mean business. They currently sit third in Group A and know that three more points could all but confirm their place in the Super Six.

Confluence Queens vs Abia Angels

Prince Abubakar Audu University Stadium, Ayingba
Reverse fixture: Abia Angels won 3-0 in Umuahia

A couple weeks ago, Confluence Queens have sneezed to life slightly, but were quickly put to the sword last week in Nasarawa and the clock is ticking. With only one win all season, they need more than hope to avoid the drop. Dannaz Ladies who are above them are equally dysfunctional but Confluence Queens have been worse and unstable. Their fans will be counting on home comfort — but even that hasn’t offered much cushion.

Abia Angels have had an up-and-down campaign, but sit in fourth place and still have a long shot at playoff qualification. Anything less than three points here could close the door on that dream.

Heartland Queens vs Remo Stars Ladies

Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri
Reverse fixture: Remo Stars won 4-1 in Ikenne

Heartland Queens would also be concerned about their survival. Their home form is their only saving grace — both wins this season have come in Owerri. But they’re up against a Remo Stars side that’s one step away from punching their Super Six ticket.

The ladies from Ikenne lost their perfect home record last time out, but they’re solid on the road and will fancy their chances of doing the double over Heartland.

Group B

Rivers Angels vs Delta Queens

Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt
Reverse fixture: Rivers won 2-1 in Asaba

Last week’s 3-0 humbling in Lagos snapped Rivers Angels’ unbeaten streak — and it stung. But the Jewel of Rivers are still one of the best teams in the league and still unbeaten at home so fans can expect a strong bounce back.

Delta Queens are still in the mix mathematically, but their away form leaves a lot to be desired. They must win to keep their bleak playoff dream alive, but a trip to Port Harcourt is about as tough as it gets.

Adamawa Queens vs Bayelsa Queens

Numan Stadium
Reverse fixture: Bayelsa won 3-0 in Yenagoa

Adamawa Queens need to throw the kitchen sink and more. A narrow loss to Delta last week means they’re in real trouble. Sitting second-to-last, anything less than a win here would leave them staring at the trapdoor especially with Benue Queens who have a 50-50 fixture.

Bayelsa Queens, unbeaten and already through to the playoffs, are not in a charitable mood. They’ve conceded just four goals all season and look set to cruise into the Super Six as group leaders. Tough assignment for the hosts.

Benue Queens vs Ibom Angels

Lafia Township Stadium
Reverse fixture: Ibom Angels won 1-0 in Uyo

Benue Queens are not officially relegated but they might just be 90 minutes from it. They gave Delta a scare two weeks ago but Bayelsa provided another rude awakening in Gameweek 11. Adamawa Queens who are directly above them have also not been a solid side. At this point, any result feels like a win but Benue Queens have a chance to nick all three points against Ibom Angels who are also newly promoted.

Ibom Angels, fresh off a thrilling 2-1 win over Naija Ratels, have newfound confidence. They’ll be aiming for back-to-back wins — a feat they have struggled with this season.

Naija Ratels vs FC Robo Queens

Bwari Township Stadium, Abuja
Reverse fixture: 2-2 draw in Lagos

This is the match of the week. Two playoff hopefuls, one massive prize. Naija Ratels are solid at home and need a win and some goals to leapfrog FC Robo back into third.

But FC Robo Queens have found their groove with three straight wins. Opeyemi Ajakaye becoming the star of this newfound shine, including in a 3-0 blitz of Rivers Angels. They just might have turned their season around. A fourth straight win here might just guarantee them a spot in the playoffs.

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