Champions

Ikenne (Ogun), May 18, 2025 (CrestNewsOnline)
Bayelsa Queens Women Football Club of Yenagoa on Saturday in Ikenne emerged champions of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership.

Their emergence followed a dominant 4-1 victory over Naija Ratels of Abuja on the final day of the Super Six playoffs held at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.

Their victory was the icing on the cake of an extraordinary finale which saw four of the six participating teams -— Bayelsa Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, Edo Queens and Remo Stars Ladies —- in line for the title going into the final day.

But Bayelsa Queens produced a commanding display to secure their sixth league title in history, especially with Vera Samuel headlining the day with a brilliant hat-trick in the 28th, 61st and 67th minutes.

Tumininu Adeshina had momentarily brought Naija Ratels level in the 42nd minute, after Samuel’s opening goal.

Bayelsa Queens’ quality proved decisive as Mega Cynthia restored their lead in the 47th minute, before Samuel went on rampage with two goals within seven minutes after the hour mark.

Former champions Rivers Angels defeated hosts Remo Stars Ladies of Ikenne 2-1 in another game of the final day matches played simultaneously.

Titilayo Aweda struck twice in the 27th and 48th minutes for the Port Harcourt side, while Aisha Animashaun scored a consolation goal for Remo Stars in the 70th minute.

Meanwhile, Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia and defending champions Edo Queens of Benin battled to a goalless draw.

The results saw Nasarawa Amazons finishing as runners-up with nine points, while Edo Queens placed third with eight points after an intense five-day contest.

The debuting Remo Stars ended fifth on goal difference, tied on points with Rivers Angels who finished fourth.

The final Super Six standings saw Bayelsa Queens on top with 10 points, followed by Nasarawa Amazons (9), Edo Queens (8), Rivers Angels (7), Remo Stars Ladies (7) and Naija Ratels (0).

For their efforts, Bayelsa Queens received the ₦10 million grand prize, while Nasarawa Amazons earned ₦6 million as second-place finishers.

Edo Queens were rewarded with ₦4 million, while Rivers Angels, Remo Stars and Naija Ratels — each received ₦1.5 million.

NWFL Chairperson Nkechi Obi hailed the competition as the most fiercely-contested Super Six yet.

She praised Bayelsa Queens for their championship-winning efforts and consistency throughout the season.

“This was arguably the most competitive Super Six we’ve witnessed. Bayelsa Queens showed experience, grit and attacking flair.

“The NWFL continues to set new benchmarks, and this season proves we are moving in the right direction,” Obi said.

Kunle Soname, President of Remo Stars and host of the tournament, lauded the organisation and atmosphere of the Super Six, describing it as a milestone in the growth of women’s football in Nigeria.

“Hosting the Super Six has been a landmark moment for us. The energy, organisation and quality of play have been incredible.

“We’re proud to have contributed to this historic phase of women’s football in Nigeria,” he said.

Bayelsa Queens will now go on to represent Nigeria in the 2025/2026 CAF Women’s Champions League Zonal Qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire.

It will be an opportunity to return to the continental stage and qualify for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club Championship.

Individual honours from the tournament in Ikenne were grabbed by star performers such as Janet Akekeromowei of Nasarawa Amazons.

She was named Most Valuable Player after scoring 13 goals this season, including four in the Super Six.

Remo Stars Ladies’ Bolaji Olamide finished as Top Scorer with 15 goals in 19 matches, while her teammate Charlotte Adjei was named Best Goalkeeper of the Season.

Adjei’s stellar performances were further rewarded with a ₦200,000 cash prize from the Judith Chime Foundation.

(www.CrestNewsOnline.ng)