NWFL Premiership: Early Season Trends Emerge After Matchday Two
The 2025/26 NWFL Premiership season is beginning to take shape, and Matchday Two provided a glimpse into the strengths and weaknesses of the teams. Fourteen goals across nine matches signals tight competition. But let’s not get carried away; it’s still early days.
FC Robo Queens’ dominant 4-0 victory over Confluence Queens certainly grabbed attention. You see flashes of brilliance like that and wonder if they’re genuine title contenders. Favour Nkwocha’s opener ignited the spark, followed by Tosin Rafiu’s goal just before the break. Kemi Adegbuyi’s quickfire brace in the second half only cemented their team’s impressive win. Can they sustain that kind of form? That’s the real test.
Rivers Angels managed a 1-0 win against Naija Ratels, maintaining their steady climb. Sharon Onwere’s goal clinched it in a tightly contested match. It’s worth noting that winning close games consistently is a hallmark of championship-caliber teams, yet, one goal victories can also be a fragile foundation.
Dannaz Ladies’ goalless draw against Nasarawa Amazons showcases the importance of defensive solidity. The game ended in a stalemate in Lagos. Both sides had chances, but lacked that killer instinct in front of goal. These are the kind of results that, while not flashy, can accumulate vital points over a long season.
Edo Queens also secured a narrow 1-0 victory, defeating Heartland Queens with Atume Doosuur’s early strike. They protected their lead until the final whistle, which reveals a team capable of controlling a match once they are ahead. Still, relying on a single early goal can be risky.
Late drama became a recurring theme this matchday. Ibom Angels secured a 1-0 victory over Pacesetter Queens thanks to Helen Daniel’s late goal. Osun Babes similarly snatched a 1-0 win against Ahudiyannem Queens with Nofisat Tijani’s late penalty. Remo Stars Ladies made their home ground a fortress, defeating Abia Angels 1-0. Aisha Animashaun’s goal in the 25th minute sealed the deal, showcasing their ability to defend their turf. This challenge lies in converting these home performances into away points.
Delta Queens and Sunshine Queens played out a 0-0 draw, suggesting a well-matched tactical battle where defenses reigned supreme. Clean sheets are always welcome, but both teams will need to find more attacking impetus going forward.
Ekiti Queens and Adamawa Queens provided the only draw with goals, finishing 1-1. Mary Sunday gave Adamawa the lead, but a late own goal salvaged a point for Ekiti. Securing a point, especially with a late equalizer, demonstrates fighting spirit, though it also suggests areas for defensive improvement.
The results from Matchday Two highlight a few key trends in the NWFL Premiership. Firstly, home advantage seems to be a significant factor. Secondly, defensive organization is crucial; many games were decided by a single goal or ended in draws. Finally, late goals are becoming a common occurrence, underscoring the importance of maintaining focus and intensity until the final whistle.
From my experience watching leagues develop, these early stages often see a flurry of tight games as teams find their rhythm. The true contenders separate themselves later in the season through consistent performance and tactical flexibility. It’s about more than just winning; it’s about how you win, and whether you can adapt when things don’t go to plan.
Yet, it’s also important to avoid overreacting to early results. One or two good performances don’t automatically make a team a champion, and conversely, a couple of losses don’t necessarily spell disaster. Still, the seeds of success are often sown in these early matches. Watch how these teams evolve. See which ones learn from their mistakes and which ones fade away. Only then will we have a clearer picture of who will be lifting the trophy at the end of the season.
The next few matchdays will be pivotal. These teams will be fine-tuning their strategies, building team cohesion, and battling for crucial points. It will be interesting to observe who rises to the occasion and establishes themselves as genuine contenders in this fiercely competitive league. So, keep watching – the real story is just beginning to unfold.
Keywords: NWFL Premiership, Nigerian Womens Football, FC Robo Queens, Rivers Angels, Late Goals, Home Advantage, Defensive Organization, Matchday Two Summary