2025/2026 NWFL Match Day 18: Bayelsa Queens stumble in Ekiti despite Group A dominance

Posted : 07 May 2026

Regular season champions of Group A, Bayelsa Queens closed out their 2025/2026 NWFL Premiership campaign with a disappointing 1-0 defeat away to Ekiti Queens on Wednesday at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium.

Although already assured of a place in the Super Six, the Prosperity Girls were hoping to finish the regular season strongly, but an early defensive error proved costly in a tightly contested Matchday 18 encounter.

The hosts wasted no time stamping their authority on the game as Joke Adeyemo capitalized on hesitation at the back in the fourth minute, calmly chipping the ball over goalkeeper Linda Jiwuaku to hand Ekiti Queens an early advantage.

The goal unsettled Bayelsa Queens in the opening stages, forcing them to chase the game for the remainder of the encounter.

Despite enjoying more possession afterwards, clear scoring opportunities remained limited in the first half as Ekiti Queens maintained their defensive discipline.

After the restart, Bayelsa Queens showed greater urgency and attacking intent. The Prosperity Girls pushed higher up the pitch and began creating openings in search of an equalizer, pinning the hosts back for long spells.

Their biggest moment arrived in the 80th minute when Sofiat Bankole thought she had restored parity after finishing neatly inside the box.

However, celebrations were cut short as the assistant referee ruled the effort offside, leaving Bayelsa Queens frustrated as the scoreline remained unchanged.

Speaking after the game, head coach Whyte Ogbonda admitted his side failed to make the most of their chances.

“It was a good game, I would say. But the result would have been different if we had taken our chances,” Ogbonda said.

Despite the defeat, Bayelsa Queens finished the regular season on 37 points to retain top spot in Group A, underlining an impressive campaign built on consistency and resilience ahead of the Super Six playoffs.

Elsewhere, it was also a difficult outing for Bayelsa Princesses, who suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ikukuoma Queens in the President Federation Cup.

The defeat serves as a minor setback for Bayelsa Queens as they prepare to transition from the regular season to the high-stakes environment of the Super Six. While the result was not what they hoped for, their overall dominance in Group A ensures they remain one of the favorites for the title.

2025/2026 NWFL Match Day 18: Bayelsa Queens stumble in Ekiti despite Group A dominance

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