Sports
2024/25 NWFL Premiership MD1 Preview: South-South Derbies Headline Opening Matchday
The 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership season is set to kick off on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, with exciting fixtures slated across eight centers in the country.
The opening matchday promises a fierce start, with two South-South derbies taking center-stage, alongside other thrilling matchups as teams begin their quest for glory.
Group A
Edo Queens vs Abia Angels – Benin City
The official opening Star Match of the new season set to be broadcast on NTA and Startimes will feature defending champions, Edo Queens, hosting Abia Angels at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Edo Queens, who claimed their maiden league title last season, also triumphed in the West Africa Zone B (WAFU-B) Women’s Champions League and reached the final of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, ultimately finishing in fourth place. Under coach Moses Aduku, who has been handed a contract extension, the club’s primary focus will be to build on last season’s successes and defend their league title.
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In contrast, Abia Angels will be hoping to avoid another relegation battle after narrowly escaping the drop last season, surviving by a whisker on goal difference. With Adanna Nwaneri, a former Super Falcons defender, now at the helm, the Umuahia-based side will aim to improve on last season’s performance and start the campaign on a positive note.
Edo Queens has been dominant in recent encounters, winning two of the last three league meetings, but Abia Angels pulled off a shock 1-0 victory in Benin City during the 2022/23 season.
Ekiti Queens vs Heartland Queens – Ado Ekiti
For the first time in top-flight history, Ekiti Queens and Heartland Queens will face off at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti.
Ekiti Queens managed to narrowly avoid relegation last season, while Heartland Queens defied expectations by qualifying for the Super Six from Group A.
Despite their struggles at the Super Six, the Obi Ogbala’s side will be aiming to build on that experience and continue their growth. Ekiti Queens, under new coach Jacob Vandhi, will be hoping to improve on last season’s performance and avoid another relegation battle.
Confluence Queens vs Remo Stars Ladies – Anyigba
Another exciting matchup features Confluence Queens and Remo Stars Ladies at the Anyigba City Stadium in Kogi State.
Confluence Queens finished second in Group A last season, securing a Super Six spot but struggled to make an impact in the playoffs. Their opponent, Remo Stars, had a solid debut season, finishing fifth in Group B, and have been in good form recently, winning the Ogun State FA Cup and reaching the semi-final of the 2024 President Federation Cup. Their success in the Sheroes Cup adds further confidence as they prepare for the new season.
Nasarawa Amazons vs Dannaz Ladies – Lafia
Nasarawa Amazons will begin their campaign with a home match against Dannaz Ladies at Lafia City Stadium. The Solid Babes finished top of Group A last season but couldn’t replicate that success in the Super Six. They will be determined to return to the Super Six playoffs, starting with a strong result against Dannaz Ladies, who had a commendable debut season in 2023/24, finishing just outside the playoff spots.
Group B
Rivers Angels vs Ibom Angels – Port Harcourt
The first of two South-South derbies on Matchday 1 sees Rivers Angels host Ibom Angels in Port Harcourt.
Rivers Angels came agonizingly close to claiming an eighth league title last season, finishing second in the Super Six by a single point. With new coach Tosan Blankson in charge, they will be eager to go one better this season and secure that elusive title. Meanwhile, Ibom Angels return to the top flight after a successful promotion campaign, and their new coach, Edwin Okon, will be looking to make a strong start as they aim to retain their top-flight status.
Adamawa Queens vs Naija Ratels FC – Gombe
In a Northern derby, Adamawa Queens host Naija Ratels at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe.
Both teams finished on 17 points last season, with Adamawa Queens emerging victorious in their last encounter, winning 2-0. Naija Ratels, however, will be determined to bounce back and improve on their mid-table finish, aiming for a spot in the Super Six this time around.
Benue Queens vs FC Robo Queens – Lafia
In a David vs Goliath encounter, newly promoted Benue Queens will face FC Robo Queens at Lafia City Stadium.
Benue Queens, fresh off their return to the top flight, will be hoping to make a statement in their debut season. Under the guidance of experienced coach Liadi Bashiru, they will be looking for a positive result to set the tone for their maiden top-flight campaign. On the other hand, FC Robo Queens, perennial contenders in the league, will be hoping to secure a victory to relaunch their bid for a return to the end of the season’s Championship Super Six tournament.
Bayelsa Queens vs Delta Queens – Yenegoa
The second South-South derby of the day sees Bayelsa Queens host Delta Queens at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenegoa.
This fixture is one of the most anticipated of the opening matchday, given the fierce rivalry between the two teams. Delta Queens have had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning three of the last eight meetings, while Bayelsa Queens have managed just one victory. Both teams now have new coaches at the helm, with Tosan Blankson guiding Bayelsa Queens and Peter Dedevbo taking over at Delta Queens. This match will set the tone for both teams as they embark on their league campaigns.
With so many exciting fixtures on the horizon, Matchday 1 of the 2024/25 NWFL Premiership promises to deliver plenty of action as teams jostle for early points and set their sights on achieving their season goals.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the speedy and qualitative ongoing remodelling of Osogbo stadium, announcing that the sitting capacity of the modernised and upgraded stadium is to increase from 4000 to 15,000 upon completion.
Speaking after an early morning daily project review session which started since last week, the governor said the increased capacity will attract major sporting events to boost development of all games in the state.
“Upon completion, Osun will be qualified to host local and international events. Sports development will take a new tone. Our young population will have a big supportive platform to develop their talents”, the governor noted at the meeting.
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He particularly expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners who are working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium satisfy FIFA standard to eventually secure FIFA certification.
“In remodelling the stadium, we must satisfy global standards. I am happy at the involvement of local and international experts to ensure we meet FIFA and all associated standards. This is the way to go to finally integrate Osun into the mainstream of sports development in the country.
“As a sport loving governor, I am eager to ensure that the Osun Sport Trust Fund becomes operational. We are working round the clock to meet legal requirements and develop appropriate policy framework among others.
“We are working to also fully operationalise the Osun State Sport Commission. This and other structures are being put in place to address the many challenges facing the Sport sector. I have a vision of an Osun state sport sector with modern facilities, empowered workforce and big opportunities for sportsmen and women.
While commending the contractor for a job well done so far, Governor Adeleke commended the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi who doubled as the Commissioner for Sports, for demonstrating deep commitment to the completion of the project.
Manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has thrown his full support behind rising midfielder Nico O’Reilly, insisting the youngster deserves to be crowned Premier League Young Player of the Season after a breakthrough campaign.
Guardiola made the remarks on Monday following Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal, a result that further strengthened their push in the title race.
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In the match, O’Reilly delivered another impressive performance, playing with composure and confidence beyond his years.
The youngster also provided an assist for Erling Haaland, helping City secure a crucial win at a key stage of the season.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola was emphatic in his praise for the teenager, suggesting there should be no debate about the award.
“O’Reilly deserves the Young Player of the Season. What a season he has had,” Guardiola said. “I don’t know who will win the overall Player of the Season, but for the young category, it has to be Nico.”
The statement has since gained wide attention, especially after being highlighted by football journalist Fabrizio Romano on social media.
O’Reilly’s emergence has been one of the bright spots in Manchester City’s campaign, with the midfielder earning praise for his versatility, maturity on the ball, and ability to step up in high-pressure games despite his young age.
As the season enters its final stretch, Guardiola’s strong endorsement is expected to boost O’Reilly’s profile in the race for individual honours.
Ghana’s football community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of a young player, Dominic Frimpong, who was killed in an armed robbery attack on his team bus.
The incident occurred late Sunday night as players of Berekum Chelsea FC were returning from an away fixture.
Reports indicate that heavily armed men ambushed the team along the Ahyiresu–Kwame Dwumor Sreso road in the Nyinahin District of the Ashanti Region at about 10:30 p.m.
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According to a statement released by the club, the attackers—described as masked men wielding guns and assault rifles—opened fire on the bus, forcing players and officials to abandon the vehicle and flee into nearby bushes for safety.
Frimpong sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and was rushed to a hospital, where he later died while receiving treatment.
The police also confirmed that another victim, identified as George Owusu Afriyie, was robbed of 4,500 cedis during the incident.
Reacting to the development, the Ghana Football Association described the attack as “tragic” and a huge loss to Ghanaian football.
“Dominic was a promising young talent whose dedication and passion for the game embodied the spirit of our league,” the association said.
The 20-year-old forward had recently joined Berekum Chelsea on loan from Aduana Stars FC earlier this year.
He made 13 appearances for the club and scored two goals, earning recognition as one of the team’s rising stars.
The shocking incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of football teams traveling across the country, with many calling for improved security measures to protect players and officials.
Authorities have since launched an investigation into the attack as efforts continue to track down those responsible.
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