Pelican Stars and Delta Babes kicked off their 2026 NWFL Championship campaign with wins on Matchday One across the four groups in Calabar, www.aclsports.com reports.
At the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Group A saw Delta Babes secure a 2-1 victory over First Mahi Babes in their opening fixture. Miracle Edafe gave Delta Babes the lead in first-half stoppage time before Nancy Kehinde doubled their advantage five minutes after the restart. Kehinde Okechukwu reduced the deficit for First Mahi Babes in the 69th minute, but Delta Babes held on to claim all three points.
DreamStar Ladies also started their campaign on a winning note after defeating Rosaria Victrix 3-1. Anuoluwapo Awotidoye opened the scoring in the 38th minute before Khadija Kamarudeen added a second in first-half stoppage time. Awotidoye completed her brace in the 62nd minute, while Egodi Okonkwo scored a late consolation goal for Rosaria Victrix.
At the same venue, Group B matches saw Pelican Stars secure a 2-1 win over Ikukuoma Queens. Amarachi Abel put Pelican Stars ahead in the 38th minute before Ewa Peace extended their lead five minutes after the interval. Daniel Catherine pulled one back for Ikukuoma Queens in the 58th minute, but Pelican Stars held on for victory.
Moje Queens and Gallant Queens shared the points after a 1-1 draw. Gallant Queens took the lead through Okafor Favour in the 31st minute, while Adebanjo Kehinde restored parity for Moje Queens six minutes into the second half.
Group C matches were played at the St. Patrick’s Stadium, with Rangers Women and Unification FC playing out a goalless draw, while Wazbak International Sports Academy defeated Fortress Ladies 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. Taiwo Ayomide gave Wazbak the lead in the second minute before an own goal from Osa Erhinwingbovo doubled their advantage. Abibat Adediran added a third in the 51st minute, while Favour Enodumwen and Gift Nduka found the net for Fortress Ladies.
Still at the St. Patrick’s Stadium, Group D action saw Imo Striker Queens begin their campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Chosen Generation Angels. Anastasia Uzor opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Mmesoma Amaechi scored twice to complete the win.
Ghetto Tigers also picked up maximum points after edging Kwara Ladies 1-0, with Gift Udo Mama scoring the decisive goal in the 54th minute.
Sunday, July 12 will serve as a rest day, with teams returning for Matchday Two on Monday, July 13, when another set of eight fixtures will be played across the two venues as the battle for promotion to the NWFL Premiership continues.
