“Where they belong” – Edo Queens dethrone Rivers Angels to win maiden NWFL title

Edo Queens have won the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) for the first time in the club’s history, Soccernet.ng reports.

They secured the title after a 1-1 draw with Bayelsa Queens in the final game of the 2023/24 NWFL Super Six tournament at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

Edo Queens forward Emem Essien scored the first goal in the 29th minute with an overhead kick. Despite pressure from the home side, they held onto their 1-0 lead until half-time.

Bayelsa Queens equalized shortly after the restart with a long-range free-kick from Olapade Zainab. The home fans celebrated, hoping for a win that would give their team the title, but Edo Queens defended strongly.

In another match in Nembe, Rivers Angels led 1-0 against Heartland Queens with a 72nd-minute goal from Olamide Adugbe.

This result put pressure on the teams in Yenagoa as a Rivers Angel win would have handed the defending champions the title with the game between the Edo and Bayelsa Queens ending in a draw.

However, Emmanuella James of Heartland Queens scored a last-minute equalizer, ending the game at 1-1 and securing the title for Edo Queens.

Edo Queens ended the tournament with 10 points, while Bayelsa Queens and Rivers Angels both finished with 9 points.

Rivers Angels were aiming for an eighth title while Bayelsa Queens were hoping to clinch their sixth honours before Edo Queens pipped them both to become champions.

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki congratulated Edo Queens on their victory and their qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Obaseki stated, “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.

“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 also received a N10 million prize for their achievement.