Bayelsa Queens have been crowned champions of the 2024/25 NWFL Premiership after a commanding 4-1 victory over Naija Ratels on the final day of the Super Six playoffs, held at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
The emphatic win sealed the Prosperity Girls’ sixth NWFL title, adding to previous triumphs in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2018, and 2022.
Final Day Drama in Ikenne
Heading into the final round, the title race remained wide open, with four teams Bayelsa Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, Edo Queens, and Remo Stars Ladies still in contention. But when it mattered most, Bayelsa rose to the occasion.
Striker Vera Samuel delivered a sensational performance, scoring a hat-trick in the 28th, 61st, and 67th minutes. Mega Cynthia also got on the scoresheet in the 47th minute, while Tumininu Adeshina had briefly pulled Naija Ratels level in the 42nd minute.
Bayelsa’s dominant display saw them finish on 10 points, narrowly edging out Nasarawa Amazons (9 pts), who were held to a goalless draw by Edo Queens in a tense match that saw the Amazons finish with 10 players.
Rivers Angels secured fourth place after defeating hosts Remo Stars Ladies 2-1, with Titilayo Aweda scoring a brace. Aisha Animashaun got a consolation goal for Remo Stars, who finished fifth on goal difference.
Super Six Final Standings
Bayelsa Queens – 10 pts
Nasarawa Amazons – 9 pts
Edo Queens – 8 pts
Rivers Angels – 7 pts
Remo Stars Ladies – 7 pts
Naija Ratels – 0 pts
Champions’ Road: Resilience and Redemption
Bayelsa Queens’ journey to the title was marked by consistency and resilience. They went unbeaten throughout the regular season and entered the Super Six as favourites. Although they suffered a lone defeat to Edo Queens during the playoffs, the Prosperity Girls responded with a crucial 2-0 win over Remo Stars Ladies to reignite their title charge.
“This means everything to us,” said hat-trick hero Vera Samuel. “We’ve worked so hard all season. To deliver for Bayelsa, for our fans, and to represent Nigeria in Africa—this is a dream come true.”
Prize Money and Individual Awards
Bayelsa Queens received a ₦10 million grand prize for their championship win. Nasarawa Amazons earned ₦6 millionfor finishing second, while Edo Queens took home ₦4 million. Rivers Angels, Remo Stars, and Naija Ratels each earned ₦1.5 million.
Individual Honours:
Most Valuable Player: Jenat Akekeromowei (Nasarawa Amazons) – 13 goals
Top Scorer: Bolaji Olamide (Remo Stars Ladies) – 15 goals in 19 matches
Best Goalkeeper: Charlotte Adjei (Remo Stars Ladies) she also received a ₦200,000 award from the Judith Chime Foundation
Next Stop: Africa Awaits
With their domestic campaign complete, Bayelsa Queens now turn their focus to Côte d’Ivoire, where they will represent Nigeria at the WAFU Zone B qualifiers for the CAF Women’s Champions League. A key step toward qualifying for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club Championship.
A Season to Remember
From an unbeaten regular season to a dramatic Super Six finale, Bayelsa Queens have once again proven themselves a dominant force in Nigerian women’s football. Their sixth title not only reaffirms their legacy but also signals their readiness to take on the best in Africa.
