Edo Queens triumphed in the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) on Sunday, securing their first league title after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Bayelsa Queens in the final game of the 2023/24 NWFL Super Six tournament at Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, MySportDab Report.
Moses Aduku’s side needed a win to ensure they stayed top of the standings. However, a draw proved sufficient due to a simultaneous 1-1 stalemate between seven-time champions Rivers Angels and Super Six debutants Heartland Queens in Nembe.
Edo Queens took the lead in the 29th minute when forward Emem Essien executed a spectacular overhead kick inside the six-yard box. Despite intense pressure from the home side and their vociferous supporters, Edo Queens managed to hold on to their 1-0 advantage going into halftime.
Bayelsa Queens responded just three minutes after the restart. Olapde Zainab’s long-range free-kick found the back of the net, igniting wild celebrations from the home crowd. Despite the surge in support and a flurry of attacks from Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens’ defense remained resolute, thwarting several attempts to take the lead.
In Nembe, Rivers Angels gained a crucial lead in the 72nd minute with a goal from Olamide Adugbe, temporarily shifting the table in their favor. This development intensified the pressure on both teams in Yenagoa, as Bayelsa Queens needed another goal to surpass their South-South rivals.
However, Heartland Queens played spoilers, with substitute Emmanuella James scoring from a goalmouth scramble right at the 90th minute mark, equalizing the game and swinging the title race back in favor of Edo Queens.
Ultimately, both decisive matches concluded in 1-1 draws. Edo Queens, amassing 10 points, were crowned champions for the first time. Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens, each finishing with nine points, took second and third place respectively. Rivers Angels missed the chance to secure an eighth title, while Bayelsa Queens fell short of claiming their sixth.
The news of the draw in Nembe caused frustration among Bayelsa Queens fans, who had hoped for a home victory and a league title. Despite the disappointment, the spirited performance by Edo Queens ensured they emerged as the deserved champions.
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, congratulated Edo Queens on their historic achievement. In his statement, Governor Obaseki praised the team’s resilience and dedication, which earned them a place in the CAF Women Champions League.
“I am elated to congratulate our darling girls, Edo Queens, on their outstanding performance in the NWFL Super Six play-offs where they emerged winners and cemented their place for continental action, which is truly where they belong,” Obaseki stated. “This feat is a reflection of the attention paid to sports development over the years, which includes inclusive welfare packages and other initiatives that have lifted the profile of women’s football in the state.”
Edo Queens’ victory marks a significant milestone in their history, promising a bright future for the team on both national and continental stages.
