Debutants Remo Stars shock Edo Queens in NWFL Super Six encounter

Photo credit: NWFL

Nigeria Women Premier Football League (NWFL) Super Six, debutants Remo Stars Ladies stunned defending champions Edo Queens 1-0 to emerge victorious on Saturday in the last Matchday one encounter at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State.

A Morufa Ademola blunder in the 88th minute from a corner kick was all Olasubomi Ogundele needed to put the hosts in front.

Despite being on the back foot for much of the game, with the defending champions dominating possession and creating more chances, Remo Stars Ladies showed remarkable resilience.

Speaking after his side's shocking victory, coach Wemimo Mathew shed light on the importance of the game as they now turn their attention to Naija Ratels, as they aim to win the league.

"It was a tough game, but we had our plan, and it worked for us," he said.

He added: "Winning this game for us is very important — not only winning but winning against the defending champions. And it is our first game, so it's a good start for us."

He continued: "Our next game is against Naija Ratels, and they are one of the best privately owned teams in this country. We are ready for the task, and the kind of show you've seen today, we are going to double it. We are ready for them, and we can be able to win the league."

Also, Moses Aduku, coach of Edo Queens, who was disappointed by his team's lack of technicality in the final third to convert their chances after having two shots on target from a total of 13 shots, said a bounce-back is imminent in their next game.

"We got all our chances to bury them, but we could not, but they got their single chance, and they took theirs. We lost the game, but we are not out; we go back and prepare for the next game," he added.

He continued: "Against our next opponent, which is Rivers, we will approach the game with a winning mentality and take our chances because we must come back."

Prior to their NWFL Super Six matchday one encounter, Remo Stars Ladies were yet to beat Edo Queens this season, as they drew one and fell to the champions at home in the regular season.

Meanwhile, in the South-South Derby played, Bayelsa Queens remain unbeaten in the NWFL as they secured a revenge victory over Rivers Angels, as Alaba Olabiyi fired home the only goal of the game in the thirty-fourth minute of the match to seal the match.

Rivers Angels had a chance to restore parity in the second half after an infringement was spotted in the box.

Ifeoma Ikenokwalu, who was entrusted with the spot-kick, failed to beat Bayelsa Queens’ goalkeeper Monle Omini.

However, the first encounter of the day, which was a North Central derby between Naija Ratels and Nasarawa Amazons, saw an influx of goals from both sides as the Abuja-based team fell short to the more experienced Solid Babes by a scoreline of 1-2.

Naija Ratels went ahead in the 13th minute through Rita Tsebee’s goal from a set piece but couldn't hold onto their lead, as Jenat Akekeromowei brought Nasarawa Amazons back to life in the 40th minute before Josephine Mathias sealed the deal for the Lafia outfit.