• Teams arrive as Group A, B draw holds today
Defending champions of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL), Bayelsa Queens of Yenagoa, have vowed to do everything possible to defend their Super Six Championship crown, when the competition kicks off tomorrow at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Bayelsa Queens won the 2022 edition, amassing 15 points from wins over Nasarawa Amazons, Rivers Angels, Delta Queens, Edo Queens, and Naija Ratels.
This year, Bayelsa Queens claimed their spot in the Super Six playoff at the conclusion of matches of the Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership regular season.
14 clubs participated in this year’s regular season, which kicked off on December 1, 2022, and ended on April 21, 2023.
The teams were split into two groups of seven, with the top three from each pool qualifying for the final tournament. In Group A, Edo Queens finished as group winners with 25 points from 12 matches, followed by Robo Queens with 22 points and Confluence Queens in third with 21 points.
Delta Queens claimed the top spot in Group B with 26 points, one ahead of title holders, Bayelsa Queens, who were second and Rivers Angels in third with 20 points from 12 games.
All six participating teams are expected to arrive in Asaba today, while action commences tomorrow. Despite finishing second in Group B, Bayelsa Queens feel they have what it takes to defend their title.
The 2023 NWFL Premiership Super Six champions will represent Nigeria at the 2023 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifiers in August, with an eye on a spot in the CFA Women’s Champions League.
Meanwhile, top scorer in this year’s NWFL, Omokwo Mercy of Delta Queens, has vowed to continue with her superb performance in the Super Six contest.
Omokwo finished the regular season with nine goals from 12 matches, three ahead of the trio of Abia Angels’ Agams Nkechi, teammate Chinaza Agoh and Robo Queens’ Folashade Ijamilusi, who netted six goals.
Delta State Governor Sherrif Oborevwori is expected to be at the stadium to cheer the teams. Earlier at the weekend in Abuja, NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, said that the Super Six round of games will run for four matchdays with one match each from Group A and B to played on every matchday.
Shabi said the teams are expected in Asaba today with the draw and pre-match meeting holding from 4.00 p.m., adding that the first games will hold tomorrow.
Matches will also hold on Wednesday and Friday, with the third place and final matches billed for Sunday, he said.
