2024/2025 NWFL Match Day 14: Naija Ratels qualify for Super Six Playoffs

Posted : 02 May 2025

Naija Ratels secured the final spot in the 2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Super Six after a goalless draw against the undefeated Bayelsa Queens at the Bwari City Stadium, Abuja, in the final Group B fixture of the regular season.

This result sparked celebrations among the Abuja-based side as they secured their place in the NWFL playoffs for the second time since moving to the top-flight league.

Speaking after the draw, the coach of Naija Ratels, Samson Keshi, rated his team highly after earning a point against the unbeaten Bayelsa Queens to qualify for the Super Six. He stated that the aim was to reach the final of the playoffs.

"I give my girls 100% praise because Bayelsa Queens are a very good side. I’ve played them almost 2-3 times now, and I know they are one of the best teams in the country.

"For my girls to come out today with a point that surpasses any other team to qualify them for the Super Six from my zone. So, I thank my girls and give them praise.

"And I know the Super Six is going to be a different ball game. I promise we will reach the finals of the Super Six."

Also, his opposite number, coach White Ogbonda, who asserted that the home team weren’t underdogs coming into the tie, was proud of his side for securing an important point away from home to finish the season unbeaten.

"People who don’t know Naija Ratels think that they are just a team you can come and beat. But when you play them, you know that they have a team.

"For us to come to Abuja today, in their home ground, and get a point, I would say that we did well. My girls did well, which means they are ready for the Super Six.

"When this regular season started, we first gave ourselves a target of five unbeaten matches.

"Then, when we succeeded in getting those five unbeaten matches, we set ourselves another target. So, our target now going into the Super Six is to ensure we remain unbeaten for the first four matches."

Meanwhile, the chairperson of Naija Ratels, Allison James Jegede, who was full of joy and appreciation for the technical crew and players, said all eyes were on winning the Super Six, with the ultimate goal of reaching the WAFU Championship.

"I thank my technical crew for going the extra mile to do what they had to do technically to bring these girls to where we are today.

"I am very excited. I am very happy. I also thank the players for their zeal and determination.

"We’re going back to the drawing board now to put our cards on the table. We actually want to go to WAFU and the Intercontinental. We’re not going there just to play."

Despite a hard-fought 2-1 victory for FC Robo Queens against Delta Queens in their final Group B fixture, it wasn't enough for the Lagos-based team to leapfrog Naija Ratels.

The point secured by Ratels against Bayelsa Queens was all that was needed in the final standings, keeping Robo Queens at bay in 4th position.

As the regular season wrapped up, all eyes are now on the Super Six showdown in Ikenne, Ogun State, where the top three contenders from the two NWFL groups will clash for the ultimate prize. Rivers Angels, Remo Stars Ladies, Edo Queens, Bayelsa Queens, Naija Ratels, and Nasarawa Amazons have all fought their way in and will now fiercely compete to claim the coveted title of 2024/25 NWFL Champions.

2024/2025 NWFL Match Day 14: Naija Ratels qualify for Super Six Playoffs

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