Title holders Bayelsa Queens face 2024 champions Edo Queens in 2025/26 NWFL Premiership opener

The 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership season officially kicks off on Wednesday, November 26, with 10 matches across two groups.

20 topflight clubs will battle for early momentum in a campaign expected to deliver high-stakes competition, debutante surprises, and renewed rivalries.

Defending champions Bayelsa Queens will host 2023/24 winners Edo Queens in a mouthwatering South-South derby at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa. 

This fixture has rapidly become one of the league’s most anticipated matchups. 

Historically, Bayelsa Queens hold a superior record, winning four of the last seven encounters, while Edo Queens have secured just one victory. Edo’s most recent 1–0 win during the 2025 Super Six is the only blemish on Bayelsa Queens’ perfect run last season.

With both sides boasting experienced squads and national team players, the opening clash could set the tone for a season-long title battle.

Group A Fixtures Preview:

Adamawa Queens vs Pacesetter Queens (Makwada)
 Pacesetter Queens make their topflight debut after extensive recruitment, blending youthful energy with seasoned campaigners.

Hakeem Busari’s side hope to emulate the survival success of other South West newcomers like Remo Stars Ladies and Dannaz Ladies. Adamawa Queens, aiming to improve on their seventh-place finish in Group B last season, will rely on midfield stability and defensive discipline to counter Pacesetter’s dynamic front line. Expect a tightly contested match with tactical battles across the park.

Heartland Queens vs Ekiti Queens (Owerri): Last season, both clubs secured narrow home wins of 1–0 in their respective encounters. Heartland Queens, looking to rebound from an underwhelming campaign, have strengthened their attacking options, while Ekiti Queens enter their third consecutive topflight season determined to maintain league status.

This fixture promises intense midfield duels and strategic play, as both sides will look to assert early dominance.

Naija Ratels vs Ibom Angels (Abuja)

 Naija Ratels aim to shake off a disappointing Super Six showing, where they lost all matches, extending their losing streak to 10 games. Ibom Angels, under veteran tactician Edwin Okon, narrowly missed Super Six qualification last term and will look to begin their title challenge with a confident performance. Both teams won their respective home fixtures 2–1 last season, suggesting a competitive encounter with fine margins likely deciding the winner.

Castmog Ladies vs Rivers Angels (Abeokuta)

The scheduled Castmog Ladies vs. Rivers Angels fixture in Abeokuta has been called off, as Rivers Angels were granted a bye following Castmog’s relegation due to failure to meet registration and club-licensing requirements.

Before the cancellation, the matchup had been billed as a potential upset, with debutants Castmog Ladies having impressed during qualification and Rivers Angels entering as favourites despite their recent 1–1 draw with Remo Stars Ladies in Ogun State.  

Group B Fixtures Previews:

Nasarawa Amazons vs Delta Queens (Lafia)

Group B Fixtures Previews:

Nasarawa Amazons vs Delta Queens (Lafia)

Nasarawa Amazons, perennial contenders, launch their title quest after narrowly missing out last season. Delta Queens, 2022/23 champions, missed the Super Six for two consecutive years and are eager to reclaim their place among Nigeria’s elite.

Both sides won their home meetings 1–0 last season, hinting at a tactical battle where finishing efficiency could prove decisive.

Confluence Queens vs Abia Angels (Iyamho)

 Confluence Queens suffered a difficult campaign last season with 11 losses in 14 games but hold a favorable historical record against Abia Angels; four wins, one draw, two losses. Abia Angels, however, won the last two encounters, including a narrow 1–0 victory, and will look to continue that momentum.

Fans can expect a high-tempo match as Confluence attempts to reverse last season’s fortunes while Abia seeks consistency.

Sunshine Queens vs FC Robo Queens (Akure)

 Newly promoted Sunshine Queens aim to avoid an immediate relegation struggle. FC Robo Queens hold a slight edge in recent head-to-head meetings, winning three of the last five encounters, though Sunshine secured a convincing 3–0 victory in their last clash.
The matchup could hinge on Sunshine’s defensive organization against Robo’s attacking fluidity.

Ahudiyannem Queens vs Remo Stars Ladies (Abiriba)

 Debutants Ahudiyannem Queens, coached by former Super Falcons assistant Ann Chiejine, face Wemimo Matthew’s Remo Stars Ladies, who reached last season’s Super Six. 

The tactical battle between the only two CAF-A licensed women’s coaches promises sharp strategy, adjustments, and positional discipline.

Last season’s 2–2 draw in Umuahia highlights the potential for another tight contest.

Dannaz Ladies vs Osun Babes (Lagos)

The fresh South West derby sees Dannaz Ladies, in their third consecutive top flight season, clash with newly promoted Osun Babes. 

Historically, Osun Babes have struggled in Lagos, losing their last trip 3–1 to FC Robo Queens in the 2020/21 season.

Both teams will seek to build momentum, with tactical maturity and set-piece efficiency likely to play a key role.

With new teams, renewed rivalries, tactical upgrades, and several coaches with national team pedigree, the 2025/26 NWFL Premiership promises drama and surprises from day one. 

From heavyweight clashes to debutante ambitions, fans can expect a thrilling season that will deliver intense competition across both groups at various venues.