The 2025/26 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiershipseason kicked off in spectacular fashion on Wednesday, with defending champions Bayelsa Queens securing a dramatic3–2 victory over former champions Edo Queens in a pulsating opener at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.

The curtain-raiser delivered everything expected of a clash between two of the league’s elite sides—early goals, late drama, and a stoppage-time winner.

Rebecca Adegbemile gave Edo Queens the lead in the 23rd minute, but Bayelsa Queens’ forward Kindness Ifeanyi levelled on the stroke of halftime. Just three minutes into the second half, Janet Akekerowei fired the hosts ahead.

Edo Queens rallied late and equalised through Adanna Nwachukwu in the 85th minute, only for Blessing Ilivieda to snatch a stunning stoppage-time winner that sealed all three points for the Prosperity Girls.

The win sends Bayelsa Queens top early as they begin their title defence.

Strong Starts, Comebacks and Stalemates Across the Country

Across other centres, Matchday One produced goals and statement performances as nine fixtures unfolded nationwide.

In Makurdi, Adamawa Queens began their campaign with a confident 2–0 win over debutants Pacesetter Queens, courtesy of strikes from Ifeoma Damian and Mary Sunday.

In Owerri, Heartland Queens came from behind to defeat Ekiti Queens 2–1, with second-half goals from Chizoba Johnson and Emmanuella James overturning Amarachi Okoronkwo’s early opener.

At the FCT Bwari Stadium, Naija Ratels were held to a goalless draw by a resilient Ibom Angels side.

Last season’s runners-up, Nasarawa Amazons, opened with a 2–1 comeback win over Delta Queens. Nora Davies put the visitors ahead early, but Shobowale and Ayatsea struck in quick succession to complete the turnaround.

In Iyamho, hosts Abia Angels and Confluence Queens shared the spoils in a lively 2–2 draw, with both sides alternating control in a balanced contest.

In Akure, FC Robo Queens began their season in style, grinding out a 1–0 away victoryover Sunshine Queens through a well-taken goal by Marvellous Oladuni.

A five-goal thriller in Lagos saw Dannaz Ladies edge Osun Babes 3–2, with Fatima Sholaty, Korie Ulumma and Ajoke Akinbo scoring for the hosts, while Sharon Shomuyiwa and Robiat Taofeeq kept the visitors in contention.

Newcomers Ahudiyannem Queens earned their first-ever NWFL point after a 0–0 draw with Remo Stars Ladies in Umuahia.

Matchday One Full Results (NWFL Premiership 2025/26)

• Dannaz Ladies 3–2 Osun Babes FC
• Nasarawa Amazons 2–1 Delta Queens
• Adamawa Queens 2–0 Pacesetter Queens
• Naija Ratels 0–0 Ibom Angels
• Ahudiyannem Queens 0–0 Remo Stars Ladies
• Sunshine Queens 0–1 FC Robo Queens
• Bayelsa Queens 3–2 Edo Queens
• Confluence Queens 2–2 Abia Angels
• Heartland Queens 2–1 Ekiti Queens

The NWFL Premiership returns next week, with clubs already gearing up for Matchday Two as early season narratives begin to take shape.

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By Johnkennedy Uzoma, Owerri

Heartland FC will head into next weekend’s away clash against Gateway FC in Abeokuta with renewed confidence after securing their first win of the 2025 National League (NNL) season—a 2–1 victory over Edel FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

The Naze Millionaires, who began the season with an away loss to Crown FC, responded emphatically on Saturday as Murphy Ndukwu struck just 45 seconds into the match to put them ahead. A deflected effort from Joel Okoro made it 2–0 before halftime, setting the foundation for their first three points of the campaign.

Despite conceding in the 57th minute through Edel’s Obi Emmanuel, Heartland held on to claim the morale-boosting victory they desperately needed before travelling to the MKO Abiola Stadium to face Gateway FC.

Assistant Coach Taiwo Enegwea said the team’s next objective is to build on the momentum and become more ruthless in front of goal.

“We created many chances but failed to convert them,” he said. “That will be a major focus before we face Gateway FC. The three points today were vital, but we need to start taking our opportunities.”

He expressed confidence that with head coach Emmanuel Amuneke leading the technical direction, the team will continue to improve and correct the defensive lapses that allowed Edel back into the match.

Match-winner Joel Okoro also highlighted the importance of carrying Saturday’s determination into the upcoming fixture.

“We had to adjust quickly after losing our defensive midfielder to injury, but we stayed composed,” he said. “The win gives us confidence for the trip to Abeokuta. We intend to show the same hunger and give our fans more to celebrate.”

Heartland players admitted they were anxious going into their first home match of the season due to the earlier defeat in Ogbomosho, but they believe the victory has restored belief within the squad.

With promotion ambitions firmly in sight, the Owerri side will now seek to continue their resurgence when they take on Gateway FC—another crucial test in their push to return to Nigeria’s top flight.

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By Johnkennedy Uzoma, Owerri

Heartland Football Club of Owerri has announced a major strategic partnership with Dutch consultant and FIFA-licensed agent, Tom Sanders, in a move aimed at rebuilding the club’s technical capacity, commercial value, and long-term competitiveness.

The partnership was unveiled during a media briefing with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, where the club’s Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, described the development as a turning point in Heartland’s quest for revival.

Amuneke, a former African Footballer of the Year, said the collaboration aligns perfectly with his long-term vision of restoring Heartland FC to its rightful place among Africa’s elite football institutions.

“Tom Sanders has a wealth of experience, and I consider it very important for a club like Heartland to grow,” Amuneke said. “This is a team that played in the 2009 CAF Champions League. It should be competing with clubs like Al Ahly and Zamalek. Even though we’ve faced internal challenges, many of them are being gradually resolved.”

He emphasized that the immediate objective is to elevate the club to the next level, especially with the abundance of young players currently in the squad.

Dutch consultant Tom Sanders, who arrived in Owerri this week, said he was impressed with the quality of Heartland’s players after observing his first training session.

“My first impression was that there are a lot of talented players here,” Sanders said. “Everyone knows Heartland should be on the top level in Nigeria. With patience and the right guidance, these young players can grow into top professionals.”

Sanders expressed confidence in Amuneke’s football philosophy and believes it provides the foundation for long-term success.

“Emmanuel works with them every day. I see a lot of quality and many young players—that’s how rebuilding starts. I really believe this can work,” he stated.

The consultant added that the partnership aims to foster technical development, youth talent refinement, and potential cooperation with clubs in Europe and the United States.

Chairman of the Imo State Football Association, Ifeanyi Dike, hailed the partnership as a progressive step comparable to famous historical collaborations between African and European clubs.

Dike referenced successful alliances such as Ajax Cape Town–Ajax Amsterdam and ASEC Mimosas–Arsenal, noting that Heartland now has an opportunity to follow a similar developmental path.

“We are beginning to do the right thing. This is a step in the right direction,” he said. “For Tom to commit to cooperation between Heartland and clubs in Europe and even the United States shows we are here for serious business.”

Dike expressed confidence that the collaboration will enhance player exposure, technical advancement, and organisational restructuring—key elements needed to restore Heartland’s legacy and return the club to the continental stage.

With the new partnership, Heartland FC signals a renewed ambition to reclaim its status as one of Nigeria’s most storied clubs, combining local talent development with international expertise.

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