2025/2026 NWFL Match Day 1: Naija Ratels Show Intent in Gritty Abuja Opener Against Ibom Angels

Posted : 27 November 2025

The 2025/2026 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership season kicked off across various centres on Wednesday with drama, late goals, hard-fought draws, and exciting performances. One of the standout fixtures unfolded in Abuja, where Naija Ratels— the capital’s only top-flight football team—opened their campaign with a gritty goalless draw against Ibom Angels at the Bwari Stadium.

As the leading women’s club in the FCT and Abuja’s sole representative in any elite men’s or women’s league, Naija Ratels carried the weight of a city and the expectations of a growing fanbase. Though they failed to find a breakthrough, their performance reflected the tenacity, youthfulness, and promise that Head Coach Sabo Okala believes will define their season.

The match may have ended 0–0, but the contest was far more engaging than the scoreline suggested. Ratels, full of energy and intent, pushed from the opening whistle but were repeatedly denied by wayward finishing and the discipline of an experienced Ibom Angels side.

Coach Okala, proud yet reflective after the final whistle, described the performance as “very, very encouraging,” praising his young squad for their courage on opening day.

“Wonderful performance from the girls. You can always expect a few lapses when you are grooming a young side. But the positives from today give me so much hope for the season,” he said.

Despite dropping points at home, Okala remains confident that the journey has only just begun.
“If Ibom Angels can come here and get a draw, why can’t we go away and get a win? We will recover these points in Rivers. We are going there to do very, very well.”

The Ratels faithful, who turned out impressively in Bwari, were reassured that their team remains focused and ambitious heading into a long season.

Ibom Angels coach Edwin Okon—one of Nigerian women’s football’s most experienced figures—expressed gratitude for a safe journey from Akwa Ibom after what he described as “too many accidents on the way.” However, he felt his team should have secured more.
“It’s grace that brought us here safely. But I am not so pleased; it is two points dropped,” Okon said.

Satisfied with the character of his developing squad, Okon stressed that their immediate target is stability, with hopes of pushing higher if the opportunity arises.
“We just want to maintain ourselves in the league for now. If the opportunity comes for us to step up, we will take it.”

As the league heads into Matchday Two, Naija Ratels will travel to face Rivers Angels—one of Nigeria’s most decorated clubs—while Abuja fans eagerly await what comes next.

2025/2026 NWFL Match Day 1: Naija Ratels Show Intent in Gritty Abuja Opener Against Ibom Angels

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