Bayelsa Queens crowned 2024/25 NWFL Champions

Photo: Nigeria Women Football League

The Nigerian Women Football League (NWFL) has seen new champions crowned in the 2024/25 season. Bayelsa Queens secured their sixth NWFL Premiership title after delivering a commanding 4-1 victory over Naija Ratels in the final match day of the Super Six playoffs held at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.

Heading into the final match day the Prosperity Girls sat on fourth position with 7 points, while Nasarawa Amazons lead the Super six table with 8 points as Edo Queens and Remo Stars Ladies were also on 7 points with the newly crowned champions but had a higher goal margin.

The Prosperity Girls entered the decisive match needing a win to secure the championship, and they delivered emphatically.

Striker Vera Michael opened the scoring in the 28th minute, but Naija Ratels’ Adeshina Tumininu equalized in the 42nd minute. Bayelsa Queens regained the lead through Mega Cynthia in the 47th minute.

Michael then sealed the victory and completed her hat-trick with goals in the 61st and 67th minutes, ensuring the title returned to Yenagoa.

Speaking after the match the striker expressed her gratitude to the funds of the club that she said was a "dream come true. This means everything to us. We’ve worked so hard all season, and to deliver for Bayelsa, for our fans, and to be back representing Nigeria in Africa—this is a dream come true.”

Also speaking after the game, Bayelsa Queens captain Blessing Ilivieda was overjoyed after clinching 2025 NWFL Premiership Super Six title:

"Even when we are down after Edo won us, I told my team but there is hope, we are going to win. The only thing is to put more effort in the last game. It wasn't that easy in the first half but in the second half when we came inside, everybody was on and we kept the fire burning and at the end of it all every effort was crowned."

The final matchday saw Bayelsa Queens deliver an emphatic performance against Naija Ratels, while Nasarawa Amazons were held to a goalless draw by Edo Queens. Despite being reduced to ten players due to a red card, Nasarawa displayed commendable grit but ultimately fell short in the title race. While Remo stars ladies were beaten 2-0 by Rivers Angels

The win propelled the Prosperity Girls to the top of the Super Six standings with 10 points, edging out Nasarawa Amazons (9 points) and Edo Queens (8 points) to reclaim the crown they last held in 2022.

Bayelsa Queens’ journey to the title was marked by resilience and determination. After a setback against Edo Queens, which ended their 17-game unbeaten streak, they bounced back with a crucial win to lift the 2024/25 NWFL trophy and take a big step towards qualifying for the CAF Women's Champions League.