The opening rounds of the 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership delivered excitement, drama and early storylines in abundance before the league headed into its Christmas break, www.aclsports.com reports.
From the colourful curtain-raiser in Yenagoa to the flurry of goals across several centres, Matchdays 1 to 4 offered a thrilling start to Nigeria’s top flight in women’s football, showing that while some teams are leading the way, most sides remain closely matched.
Here are five key takeaways from the opening weeks of the season:
1. Early winning and losing runs take shape
A few teams have wasted no time in setting the pace. In Group B, FC Robo Queens have been flawless, winning all four of their opening matches. In Group A, Bayelsa Queens and Rivers Angels have also made strong statements, winning all three of their games so far.
At the other end of the table, it has been a difficult introduction for newcomers Pacesetters Queens, who are yet to record a point after four straight defeats. Naija Ratels, Ekiti Queens, Ahudiyannem Queens and Confluence Queens are also still searching for their first win of the season.
2. Home advantage still dominates
Away victories have been hard to come by in the opening rounds. Just six away wins have been recorded so far, one on Matchday 1, with the rest coming on Matchday 4. Matchdays 2 and 3 produced no away wins at all.
FC Robo Queens lead the way in this category, accounting for two of the six away victories recorded so far.
3. Draws and tight contests
The league has also seen its fair share of stalemates, with 10 draws recorded across the opening four matchdays. Interestingly, seven of those ended goalless, underlining how closely matched many of the teams have been.
Remo Stars Ladies feature prominently here, contributing two of the goalless draws. In Group A, Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, Rivers Angels and Pacesetters Queens are yet to play out a draw this season, while FC Robo Queens remain the only side in Group B yet to share points.
4. Goals, firepower and standout scorers
FC Robo Queens have been the most prolific side so far, scoring 12 goals, while Ahudiyannem Queens are yet to find the back of the net. Defensively, Remo Stars Ladies boast the best record, having conceded no goals, while Confluence Queens have let in the most with 11 conceded.
In the race for top scorer, Atume Doosuur (Edo Queens) and Tosin Rafiu (FC Robo Queens) have both scored in three consecutive matches. Last season, former Remo Stars striker Bolaji Olamide set the benchmark with goals in seven straight games.
Kemi Adegbuyi (FC Robo Queens) and Mary Sunday (Adamawa Queens) have also netted three goals each. On two goals apiece are Opeyemi Ajakaiye (FC Robo Queens), Alaba Olabiyi, Kindness Ifeanyi and Blessing Ilivieda (all Bayelsa Queens), Blessing Okon (Abia Angels) and Ramotalahi Kareem (Rivers Angels).
5. Clean sheets and goalkeeping excellence
Between the posts, Remo Stars Ladies goalkeeper Nkiruka Obidinma has been outstanding, keeping four clean sheets and remaining the only starting goalkeeper yet to concede a goal this season.
FC Robo Queens’ Olaide Olawale has also impressed, recording three clean sheets, only conceding on Matchday 4.
The break is over, and attention now turns to how teams will respond after a brief reset as the league returns on Wednesday, 7 January 2026.
