NWFL Premiership Super Six: Bayelsa, Rivers bag first win
The 2023/2024 NWFL Premiership Super Six continued with thrilling action on Matchday 2, with Bayelsa Queens and Rivers Angels both securing their first victories of the tournament, boosting their chances in the race for the domestic title this season on Monday.
Confluence Queens bounced back from their Saturday’s opening-day humiliation at the hands of Edo Queens to claim a crucial win, adding more excitement to the competition.
Hosts of the 2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six, Bayelsa Queens, recorded their first win of the tournament with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nasarawa Amazons at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Monday.
The Solid Babes had an early chance to take the lead when Odo Bibiana’s effort struck the crossbar in the seventh minute, much to the relief of Domo Okara’s side and the home fans. After a goalless first half, the match appeared to be heading for a stalemate until a last-minute drama unfolded.
Substitutes Mercy Omokwo and Mercy Itimi combined to break the deadlock in the 90th minute, with Itimi converting Omokwo’s long ball to secure the win.
This victory lifted Bayelsa Queens to four points from two games, positioning them well in the title race. They will next face Confluence Queens on Wednesday, while Nasarawa Amazons will aim for their first win against Rivers Angels.
Rivers Angels also claimed their first win of the playoff tournament with a 2-1 victory over Edo Queens in a South-South derby where all three goals were scored in the first half at the same venue.
Florence Alexander opened the scoring for the Jewels of Rivers in the 11th minute with a free kick that was surprisingly spilled by Edo Queens’ goalkeeper Ijeoma Uzoma.
Ogbonda Whyte’s side doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Valentina Uroko inadvertently turned the ball into her net. Edo Queens responded quickly, reducing the deficit through Emem Essien, who dribbled past her marker before beating keeper Ademola Morufa.
Despite a disallowed goal from Deborah Odiagbe in the 59th minute and a similar fate for Sefiat Idris’ strike, Rivers Angels held on for the win.
This triumph moved them level on four points with Bayelsa Queens at the top of the log. Rivers Angels will next face Nasarawa Amazons, while Edo Queens aim to return to winning ways against winless Heartland Queens.
NWFL/MTO
