Naija Ratels secure last NWFL Super Six spot

Naija Ratels have clinched the final spot in the 2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Super 6 after a goalless draw against Bayelsa Queens at the Bwari City Stadium, Abuja in the Matchday 14 fixture was enough to see the Abuja based side through.

This result sparked celebrations among the Abuja-based side as they secured their place in the championship playoffs for the second time since moving to the top flight league.

Speaking after the draw coach of Naija Ratels, Samson Keshi rated his ladies highly after sharing points with the unbeaten Bayelsa Queens to qualify for the super six  said  the aim is to reach the final of the playoffs.

"I give my girls hundred percent praise because Bayelsa Queens are a very good side. I played them almost 2-3 times now and I know they are one of the best teams in the country. And for my girls to come out today with a point that will surpass any other team that will qualify them for  the Super 6 from my zone. And I'm one of them. So I thank my girls and I give them praises. And I know the Super 6 is going to be a different ballgame. I promise to come to the finals of the Super 6."

Also his opposite number, coach White Ogbonda, asserted that the home team aren't pushovers and was proud of his side for squeezing out a point away from home.

"People who don't know Naija Ratels think that Najia Ratels is just a team that can come and beat. But when you play them, you know that they have a team. So for us to come to Abuja here today in their home ground and getting a point, I would say that we did well. My girls did well, which means they are ready for the Super Six.

"When this regular season started, we first of all gave ourselves five matches unbeaten. Then when we succeeded in getting that five matches unbeaten, we gave ourselves another target. So our target now going to the Super six is to ensure we go first four matches unbeaten."

Meanwhile the Chairperson of Naija Ratels, Allison James Jegede, was full of joy and appreciation for the technical crew and players said all eyes are on winning the Super Six as the aim is to reach the WAFU-Zone B qualification tournament for the CAF Women's Champions League.

"I thank my technical crew for going extra mile to do what they have to do technically to bring up these girls to where we are today. I am very, excited. I am, very happy. I also thank the players because of their zeal and determination.

We're going back to the drawing board now to go and put our cards on the table. We actually want to go to WAFU and  Intercontinental. We're not going there to play."

Despite a hard-fought 2-1 victory for FC Robo Queens against Delta Queens in their final Group B fixture, it wasn't enough for the Lagos-based team to leapfrog Naija Ratels. The point secured by Ratels against Bayelsa Queens proved crucial in the final standings, keeping Robo Queens at bay in 4th position.

The regular season has wrapped up, and an electrifying Super Six showdown is on the horizon! Ikenne, Ogun State, will become the battleground where the top contenders from the two NWFL groups will clash for the ultimate prize. Rivers Angels, Remo Stars Ladies, Edo Queens, Bayelsa Queens, Naija Ratels, and Nasarawa Amazons have all fought their way in and will now fiercely compete to claim the coveted title of 2024/25 NWFL Champions.

Matchday 14 Results

Group A

Edo Queens 2-0 Confluence Queens

Ekiti Queens 1-0 Abia Angels

Heartland Queens 2-1 Nasarawa Amazons

Remo Stars Ladies 5-0 Dannaz Ladies

Group B

Rivers Angels 4-2 Benue Queens

Adamawa Queens 3-1 Ibom Angels

Naija Ratels 0-0 Bayelsa Queens

Robo Queens 2-1 Delta Queens