Last-Gasp Penalty Seals Thrilling NWFL Premiership Opening Day; Heartland Queens Complete Comeback

The 2025/2026 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership burst into life in dramatic fashion, with goals, late winners and comeback victories that dominated the action-packed opening day across the country.

Drama in Yenagoa: Bayelsa Queens Edge Edo Queens

The South-South derby between Bayelsa Queens and Edo Queens lived up to expectations as the home side claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Edo Queens opened the scoring through Rebecca Adegbemile (23'), but Bayelsa Queens responded strongly with goals from Kindness Ifeanyi (45') and Janet Akekoromowei (48') to turn the match around.

The visitors thought they had rescued a point when Robiat Taofeeq (85') made it 2-2. However, deep into stoppage time, Bayelsa Queens were awarded a penalty, calmly converted by Blessing Illvieda (90+’) to secure a dramatic win.

Heartland Queens Complete Dramatic Comeback

In Owerri, Heartland Queens produced a spirited display to defeat Ekiti Queens 2-1 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

After conceding an early goal, the Owerri Landladies drew level through a Chizoba Johnson penalty (13'), before going on to score the decisive winner in the second half to earn all three points in front of their home fans.

Home Wins and Late Winners

Late drama started in Lagos, where Dannaz Ladies claimed a memorable 3-2 victory over Osun Babes.

After the scores were levelled at 2-2 late in the game, the match looked destined for a draw until Nofisat Ayegbami struck in the 96th minute to seal a stunning win.

In Lafia, Nasarawa Amazons came from behind to beat Delta Queens 2-1, with Hembafan Ayatsea scoring the winner just before halftime.

Adamawa Queens also began their season strongly with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Pacesetter Queens, thanks to goals from Ifeoma Damian (37') and Mary Sunday (66').

Points Shared and Away Success

Several matches ended with shared spoils across the league:

Confluence Queens 2-2 Abia Angels in Iyamho

Naija Ratels 0-0 Ibom Angels

Ahudiyannem Queens 0-0 Remo Stars Ladies

The only away victory of the fully concluded fixtures went to FC Robo Queens, who claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Sunshine Queens in Akure through Marvellous Oladuni (45').