2025/2026 NWFL Super 6: Abia Angels Hold Champions Bayelsa Queens to Impressive Draw

Posted : 08 June 2026

Debutants Abia Angels produced a spirited performance to hold defending champions Bayelsa Queens to a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six Finals at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Saturday.

Facing one of the tournament favourites, Abia Angels displayed resilience and determination, recovering from a second-half deficit to claim a valuable point in an entertaining Matchday One encounter.

Bayelsa Queens started brightly and appeared to have taken an early lead when a powerful header found the back of the net, only for the assistant referee to rule the effort out for offside. The champions continued to threaten but were unable to convert their chances, as both teams went into the break level.

The deadlock was finally broken 11 minutes into the second half when Bayelsa capitalised on a goalkeeping error. Abia goalkeeper Fatimah Oloko misjudged a delivery, allowing Harmony Chidi to head home and put the defending champions in front.

However, Abia Angels responded almost immediately. Just a minute after conceding, they were awarded a penalty, and Mariam Abdulrasheed calmly converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 1-1.

The game opened up after the equaliser, with both sides creating opportunities in a lively end-to-end contest. Bayelsa Queens pushed for a winner and nearly benefited from another risky decision by Oloko, but the goalkeeper recovered well to make an important save despite sustaining an injury in the process.

At the other end, Abia Angels came close to completing the turnaround when a swift counterattack resulted in a powerful header that struck the woodwork before being cleared off the line.

Bayelsa continued to search for a decisive goal and created another promising opportunity on the counterattack, but their forward failed to hit the target after Oloko rushed off her line.

Despite sustained pressure from the reigning champions, Abia Angels remained organised defensively and showed great character to withstand the attacks. Their disciplined display ensured they secured a memorable point against the title holders and made an encouraging start to their maiden Super Six campaign.

The result leaves both teams with one point apiece after Matchday One as the race for the NWFL Premiership title gathers momentum.

2025/2026 NWFL Super 6: Abia Angels Hold Champions Bayelsa Queens to Impressive Draw

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