NWFL Premiership Matchday Three Review: Four Clubs Seal Promotion Playoffs 

By Saheed Afolabi

The matchday three of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship confirmed the four clubs that would slug it out for the two promotional slots to the Premiership.

DreamStar Ladies, Pelican Stars, Rangers Women and Imo Strikers Queens cemented their status as the real contenders for the promotion slots after topping their groups after three matches, while First Mahi Babes, Gallant Queens, Fortress Ladies and Chosen Generation Angels will trade tackles in the relegation playoffs as they fight for survival to remain in the Championship.

13 goals were scored in the matchday three, with five wins and one draw recorded as the group stage came to a close, setting the stage for the, promotion and relegation playoffs.

Group A 

Delta Babes 0-0 DreamStar Ladies

Delta Babes round up a fair Championship dream with a goalless draw with DreamStar Ladies.

The Galacticas didn’t disappoint as they know that a draw is enough to cement their status as table toppers.

Both sides gave their all but no goal was recorded as Delta Babes confirmed their status as a Championship club, while DreamStar Ladies will look further to get a promotion to the Premiership or remain in the Championship.

Rosaria Victrix 3-1 First Mahi Babes 

Rosaria Victrix came out blazing from all cylinders as it too them 34 minutes to score three goals against the drowning First Mahi Babes.

Esther Micheal pulled a goal back for First Mahi Babes in the 74 minute as they will fight for the relegation playoffs against the bottom placed team in group B, Gallant Queens.

Group B

Pelican Stars 1-0 Moje Queens

Pelican Stars rounded up their group B fairytale with nine points from three games.

Peace Ewa 27 minute goal was all Pelican Stars needed to grind out a lone goal win against Moje Queens.

Gallant Queens 1-3 Ikukuoma Queens 

Debutants, Ikukuoma Queens came from a goal down to defeat Gallant Queens 3-1.

Christiana Edache gave Gallant Queens the lead in the 4th minute, Janet Kaneng responded for Ikukuoma Queens in the 23 minute.

Precious Odogu 48 minute goal and Favour Nicholas 58 minute strike sealed a huge 3-2 win for Ikukuoma Queens.

Group C

Wazbak Queens 1-5 Unification Ladies 

The Lagos derby produced a six goals thriller as Unification Ladies defeated Wazbak Queens 5-1.

Ruth Joseph brace, Esther Stephen, Esther Christian and Shukurat Tirimisiyu goals gave Unification Ladies a 5-0 goal lead in the first 45 minutes.

However, Nofisat Ogundele 72 minute goal gave Wazbak Queens a consolation in the encounter.

Rangers Women 1-0 Fortress Ladies 

Rangers Women edged Fortress Ladies by a lone goal courtesy of Chisom Chukwuemeke 78 minute goal.

Group D

Imo Strikers Queens 4-0 Ghetto Tigers Ladies 

Imo Strikers Queens sealed a place in the promotional playoffs place after defeating Ghetto Tigers Ladies in the table topper clash.

Chosen Generation Angels 0-0 Kwara Ladies 

Chosen Generation Angels forced Kwara Ladies to a goalless draw as both side finish with a point apiece while Chosen Generation will battle it out in the relegation playoffs.