NWFL confirms simultaneous kick-off for decisive fixtures
Remo Stars Ladies and Nasarawa Amazons are the latest teams to book their places in the 2024/25 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six Playoffs following Abia Angels 2-2 draw against Remo Stars Ladies in Umuahia.
Remo Stars Ladies sealed their qualification after a thrilling 2-2 draw against Abia Angels on yesterday morning in a rescheduled Matchday 13 fixture in Umuahia. Originally slated for Wednesday, the match was halted in the 23rd minutes due to heavy rainfall on Wednesday and the game was shifted till yesterday.
The Sky Blue Stars needed only a point to secure their place in the playoffs, and they got the job done in style. It marked a historic achievement for the Ikenne-based club, as they qualified for the Super Six for the first time ever, just in their second season in the top flight.
Bolaji Olamide gave the visitors the lead in the 35th minute with her 11th goal of the season, pouncing on a loose ball and unleashing a long-range effort that beat goalkeeper Christiana Obia. Abia Angels responded five minutes later through Mary Lucky, who brought the hosts level.
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The match looked destined for a draw until stoppage time drama saw Olamide bag her brace for her 12th goal with another stunning strike in the 92nd minute. But just a minute later, Mariam Abdulrasheed headed home to salvage a point for Abia Angels.
Despite a late push from the hosts, Remo Stars held on to confirm their place in the Super Six.
Remo Stars Ladies and Nasarawa Amazons now join defending champions Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, and Bayelsa Queens in the Super Six, which is scheduled to hold in May at a venue yet to be announced.
The final playoff spot will be decided on the last Matchday, with Naija Ratels and FC Robo Queens still in contention.
Meanwhile, in a bid to uphold the principles of fair play and ensure competitive integrity, the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) on Thursday announced a simultaneous kick-off for two crucial fixtures in the ongoing 2025 NWFL Premiership season.
Match No. 111 between Naija Ratels FC and Bayelsa Queens FC in Abuja, and Match No. 112 between FC Robo Queens and Delta Queens FC in Lagos, will now both kick off at 3:00pm on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
The directive was conveyed in an official memo signed by NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, and circulated to the concerned clubs as well as both the Lagos State and FCT Football Associations to facilitate seamless coordination and compliance.
“This adjustment is essential to preserve the spirit of fairness and maintain the integrity of the competition,” Shabi stated.
“Simultaneous kick-offs ensure that no team gains undue advantage based on the outcome of another match.”
With one final ticket up for grabs in the 2025 NWFL Premiership Super Six, both Robo Queens and Naija Ratels are locked in a high-stakes battle for qualification as third placed team from Group B.
Robo Queens, in their 10th consecutive season in the topflight, are seeking a return to the Super Six for the first time since 2023. Naija Ratels, meanwhile, are aiming to secure their second appearance in three seasons, having made a memorable debut in 2022 by qualifying in their first Premiership campaign.
The eventual third place side will join defending champions Edo Queens, Bayelsa Queens, Rivers Angels, Nasarawa Amazons, and Remo Stars Ladies in the Super Six lineup—setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling climax to the season.