NWFL: Late drama and historic milestones highlight matchday 10 thrills

Matchday 10 of the 2025-26 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) delivered a landmark victory for Pacesetter Queens, alongside authoritative home displays, derby tension, and last-gasp winners as the elite division roared back from its mid-season hiatus.

Across various Nigerian venues on Wednesday, the fixtures were characterised by high-stakes suspense and end-to-end tactical battles, showcasing the premium quality of NWFL football across both Groups A and B.

Group A: Edo Queens Exact Revenge as Pacesetter Make History in NWFL

At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo Queens emphatically avenged their opening-day setback against defending champions Bayelsa Queens with a commanding 4–1 triumph. The hosts wasted no time, as Atume Doosuur broke the deadlock in the 4th minute before Chioma Moses doubled the advantage just five minutes later. The onslaught continued with Doosuur grabbing her brace in the 13th minute, and Moses followed suit by completing her own double in the 30th minute. Kindness, Ifeanyi managed a consolation for the visitors in the 75th minute, but the damage was already done.

In Ibadan, Pacesetter Queens etched their name into the history books by recording their first-ever top-flight victory, dispatching Adamawa Queens 2–0 at the Lekan Salami Stadium. After a scoreless first half, Hikmat Adewale found the net in the 51st minute, while Kaase Esther sealed the historic result in the 80th, providing a massive psychological boost to their survival hopes.

Meanwhile, at the Uyo Township Stadium, Ibom Angels proved too strong for Naija Ratels in a 3–1 win. Happiness Agboye starred with a clinical brace while Godsgift Afigbediator tucked away a penalty. Chekwube Omeje’s strike for the Ratels proved to be a mere footnote. In Abeokuta, Ekiti Queens overcame Heartland Queens 2–0 thanks to goals from Kaosarat Olanrewaju and Amarachi Okoronkwo. Group giants Rivers Angels observed their scheduled bye for this round.

Group B: Stoppage-Time Heartbreak and Coaching Masterclasses in NWFL

In Lagos, FC Robo Queens maintained their relentless march toward the playoffs, securing their eighth win in ten outings. A solitary 8th-minute strike from the prolific Opeyemi Ajakaye was enough to edge Sunshine Queens 1–0 in a tightly contested affair.

Ahudiyannem Queens found reason to celebrate as they secured their first away win under the guidance of new coach Adanna Nwaneri, narrowly defeating Remo Stars 2–1 in Ikenne. Elsewhere, Dannaz Ladies successfully returned to winning ways, silencing Osun Babes 1–0 in Ile-Ogbo courtesy of a 75th-minute decider from Fausat Idris.

The afternoon’s most pulsating finish unfolded in Aba, where Confluence Queens pulled off a stunning 2–1 comeback against Abia Angels. Despite an early Onyedikachi Ekezie own goal handing the lead to Abia, Hannah Yusuf restored parity in the 54th minute. The drama peaked in the sixth minute of stoppage time (90+6’) when Emmanuel Seember fired home a sensational winner to steal all three points. Finally, Delta Queens and Nasarawa Amazons shared the spoils in a 1–1 stalemate in Asaba. Anaesthesia Terfa struck for Delta in first-half injury time, but Ayowunmi Omosuyi equalised shortly after the restart in the 49th minute.

The Standings After Matchday 10 in NWFL

In Group A, the summit remains a congested battleground. Bayelsa Queens retain the top spot with 21 points by virtue of goal difference, sitting level with Rivers Angels (who possess a crucial game in hand) and Edo Queens. The race for the Super Six playoff slots is now reaching a fever pitch. At the other end, Pacesetter Queens’ historic win moves them within a single point of Naija Ratels, reigniting the fight for top-flight survival.

In Group B, FC Robo Queens sit comfortably clear with 24 points. Nasarawa Amazons have ascended to second place (19 points), capitalising on Remo Stars’ slip to third (18 points), while Abia Angels occupy fourth with 17 points. The relegation dogfight remains equally fierce, with four teams separated by slim margins in their quest to avoid the drop.