Six teams started the race but four would be left at the end of today’s two games. Can Rivers Angels knock the reigning champs off the final ticket and will Edo Queens upset the applecart against Delta Queens? TUNDE LIADI writes on the NWFL Premiership Super 6 and its intricacies.
The group stage of the Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership Super 6 Playoffs will end today with two mouthwatering clashes at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Unlike the putting of all six teams in the same group and five games played by each team before the winner of the 2023 league season is decided, the organizers divided the teams into two groups with two games to be played by each of the teams. The group winners of both groups are expected to zoom to the final with the winner scooping 10 million naira and the CAF Champions League ticket and the beaten finalists, winning 5 million naira. the second in both groups will contest for the bronze medal and a chance to go away with three million naira.
Nothing is settled in both groups but two teams: FC Robo Queens and Confluence Queens have completed their two games. In Group A, Delta Queens started the playoffs with a 3-1 defeat of Confluence Queens but the team from Lokoja defeated highly fancied Edo Queens on Wednesday to brighten their chances of finishing second in Group A.
Today, the concluding fixture in Group A comes up between Delta Queens and Edo Queens. Delta Queens, who remain unbeaten in the league this season will cruise to the final with at least a draw or a moderate defeat to their neighbours. Edo Queens may take the place of Confluence Queens in the third place playoffs if they manage to beat Delta Queens 2-1. The action spot is the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba today by 4pm.
Group B is still very tricky. Rivers Angels who last won the league title in 2021 are striving to reclaim the title but the reigning champions, Bayelsa Queens is among the teams trying to repel them. The Jewel of Rivers started the group with a 2-0 win over FC Robo Queens while Flourish Sebastine’s 56th minute goal steered Bayelsa Queens to a 1-0 victory over FC Robo Queens who are already eliminated regardless of the result between Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens today by 10am. The Lagos side having lost both group games.
Rivers Angels currently top Group B with three points and plus two goals difference while Bayelsa Queens are second with three points but plus one goals difference. The reigning champions must beat Rivers Angels to progress to the final while a draw would be sufficient for the Edwin Okon led Port Harcourt side.
