By Kehinde Osagiede
Edo Queens Football Club of Benin City have emerged champions of the 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership after holding defending champions Bayelsa Queens to a goalless draw in their final Super Six fixture in Port Harcourt.
The result was enough to seal the league title for the Benin-based side, who finished the tournament with 10 points and a superior goal difference, earning the right to represent Nigeria at the WAFU B qualifiers for a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
The triumph marks Edo Queens’ second NWFL Premiership title, having won their maiden crown in 2024 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Coached by Moses Aduku, Edo Queens recovered strongly from an opening 1-0 defeat to Nasarawa Amazons. The team responded with a 4-1 victory over FC Robo Queens, a commanding 6-2 win against Abia Angels, and a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over hosts Rivers Angels before securing the title with the draw against Bayelsa Queens.
At the end of the competition, Edo Queens forward Atume Doosuur claimed the league’s highest goal scorer award after finishing the season with 13 goals.
In other final-day fixtures, Abia Angels and FC Robo Queens played out a 1-1 draw, while Nasarawa Amazons and Rivers Angels settled for a goalless stalemate.
Bayelsa Queens finished second on eight points with a +2 goal difference, while Nasarawa Amazons placed third on the same points but with an inferior goal difference. Abia Angels finished fourth with six points, FC Robo Queens ended in fifth place with four points, while Rivers Angels finished bottom of the table with three points.
Reacting to the achievement, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, dedicated the title victory to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, citing the governor’s commitment to sports development and consistent support for athletes and teams in the state.
Speaking after the final match, Enabulele attributed the success recorded by the sports commission to the governor’s timely release of funds and unwavering backing of sporting programmes.
“This victory belongs to everyone who believes in the Edo Queens project,” Enabulele said. “The girls showed commitment, discipline and hunger for success. They fought for every ball, stayed focused and proved that with determination and the right support, they can overcome any challenge.”
He praised the players and technical crew for their resilience, noting that the team’s recovery from an opening defeat demonstrated their character and championship mentality.
“I am particularly proud of how the team responded after the first game. They did not lose confidence; instead, they regrouped, worked harder and produced outstanding performances that eventually made them champions. This is a team with character, and they deserve every honour that comes with this achievement,” he added.
Enabulele also commended head coach Moses Aduku and his technical crew for their tactical discipline and leadership throughout the campaign.
“The coaches have done an excellent job. They built a team that believes in itself and represents the values of Edo State — resilience, excellence and unity. This title is a reward for the collective efforts of the players, coaches, management and everyone who supported the team,” he said.
With the league title secured, Edo Queens will now turn their attention to the WAFU B qualifiers as they seek a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League and another opportunity to showcase Nigerian women’s football on the continental stage.
