Bayelsa Queens copped a sixth NWFL premiership title after a dominant final-day victory in Ikenne. Bayelsa Queens secured a commanding 4–1 win over Naija Ratels at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne in one of three championship-deciding fixtures. Bayelsa Queens, who started the day with an 11.1% chance of winning the league title, gradually grew into the four-horse race for the championship and brought to an end one of the most competitive Super Six tournaments in recent memory.
Heading into the final matchday, four teams—Bayelsa Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, Edo Queens, and Remo Stars Ladies—were all in the running for the top prize, each with unique traits this season. But when it mattered the most, Vera Samuel stole the spotlight with a stunning hat trick, but she wasn't alone. Mega Cynthia also added her name to the scoresheet, as it was her goal that restored the lead to the prosperity girls after Naija Ratels briefly equalized through Tumininu Adeshina in the 42nd minute when the first half ended in a draw.
In one of the day’s other fixtures, Rivers Angels edged Remo Stars Ladies 2–1 thanks to a brace from Titilayo Aweda. RSL were the least favorite for the title heading into today's game with a 7.4% chance of winning the league title. As of the 65th minute, all their title hopes were mathematically gone. Aisha Animashaun netted Remo’s only goal in the 70th minute. Both teams ended the playoffs tied on points, but Rivers finished fourth on goal difference, leaving playoff debutants Remo Stars in fifth.
The cracker between Nasarawa Amazons and Edo Queens ended in a 0–0 draw, and it was the result that ultimately handed Bayelsa the advantage. Nasarawa ended the competition in second place with nine points, while Edo Queens secured third with eight points on the log.
🏆 Final Super Six Standings
| Position | Team | MP | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bayelsa Queens | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 3 | +5 | 10 |
| 2 | Nasarawa Amazons | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 9 |
| 3 | Edo Queens | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 8 |
| 4 | Rivers Angels | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 7 |
| 5 | Remo Stars Ladies | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 7 |
| 6 | Naija Ratels | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 9 | -9 | 1 |
Reactions
Following their successful title charge, Bayelsa Queens walked away with the ₦10 million grand prize, while Nasarawa Amazons and Edo Queens earned ₦6 million and ₦4 million, respectively. Rivers Angels, Remo Stars Ladies, and Naija Ratels each received ₦1.5 million for their efforts. The trophy presentation was led by Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, the First Lady of Ogun State, alongside key NWFL board members, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Nigeria Wrestling Federation President Daniel Igali, and Remo Stars chairman Kunle Soname. Speaking on the now wrapped-up season, NWFL Chairperson Nkechi Obi praised the level of competition and hailed Bayelsa Queens for their persistence and attacking excellence:
“This was arguably the most competitive Super Six we’ve witnessed. Bayelsa Queens showed experience, grit, and attacking flair. The NWFL continues to set new benchmarks, and this season proves we are moving in the right direction.”
Tournament host and Remo Stars President Kunle Soname also commended the quality of play and overall experience in Ikenne:
“Hosting the Super Six has been a landmark moment for us. The energy, organisation, and quality of play have been incredible. We’re proud to have contributed to this historic phase of women’s football in Nigeria.”
What Next?
Bayelsa Queens will now prepare to represent Nigeria at the CAF Women’s Champions League Zonal Qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire, with hopes of making a strong return to the continental scene and eyeing a spot at the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup.
Season Awards
Most Valuable Player: _Jenat Akekeromowei (Nasarawa Amazons)—_Scored 13 league goals, including four in the Super Six.
Top Scorer: Bolaji Olamide (Remo Stars Ladies)—Netted 15 goals in 19 matches.
Best Goalkeeper: Charlotte Adjei (Remo Stars Ladies).
Charlotte Adjei also received a ₦200,000 cash award courtesy of the Judith Chime Foundation in due recogintion of her outstanding performances.
✨ It's All Whyte At Last
From the drama of the regular season to the fireworks on the final day, Bayelsa Queens' journey was marked by resolve, quality, and experience. This is even more remarkable for Coach Whyte Ogbonda, who finally claimed his first league title as head coach. The team can now look ahead to conquering West Africa once more and returning to the continental stage, where they last claimed a Bronze with hopes of conquering the continent this time around and getting to the global tournament organized by FIFA.
#AlliNewsNWFL