NWFL: FC Robo stake unbeaten record in south west derby as Bayelsa Queens visit troubled Adamawa Queens

With the league phase gathering real momentum, Matchday 7 of the NWFL Premiership arrives at a critical point in the season. Unbeaten runs are under threat, local derbies take centre stage and the battle lines in both Groups A and B are becoming more clearly defined. From title-defining clashes to survival six-pointers, today’s fixtures promise drama, pride and decisive moments across the country, reports TUNDE LIADI.

In Gombe’s Pantami Stadium, Bayelsa Queens travel north sitting pretty at the summit of Group A with a perfect 15 points from five matches, fresh from clipping Rivers Angels’ wings in a dominant South-South derby last midweek. The Prosperity Girls have been ruthless at both ends, conceding few chances and striking with authority.

Adamawa Queens, meanwhile, are under pressure near the lower half of the table and will be desperate to halt Bayelsa’s momentum on home soil. Anything short of maximum concentration could be punished by the league leaders, but the hosts will hope altitude and home support can spark an upset.

Still smarting from their first defeat of the season, Rivers Angels return home to face Heartland Queens knowing there is little margin for error. Third on the log with 12 points, the Port Harcourt giants cannot afford further slip-ups if they are to keep Bayelsa and Edo Queens within reach.

Heartland Queens arrive buoyant after back-to-back solid performances that have lifted them to fourth with eight points. Well organised and increasingly confident, the Owerri side will fancy their chances of exploiting any lingering vulnerability in the Angels’ ranks.

Second-placed Edo Queens (12 points, superior goal difference) will be clear favourites as they welcome winless Pacesetters Queens. Edo’s emphatic away victory in Abuja last time out underlined their title credentials, with goals flowing freely from midfield and attack.

For Pacesetters Queens, still rooted at the bottom with just one point, this is another stern test. Defensive discipline will be key if they are to avoid further damage against one of the league’s most balanced sides.

Ibom Angels versus Ekiti Queens fixture pits two sides heading in opposite directions. Ibom Angels have slipped to seventh with four points after consecutive defeats, while Ekiti Queens’ impressive away win in Ibadan lifted them to fifth with seven points.

Ekiti will target another road victory to stay in touch with the top four, while Ibom Angels must rediscover their early-season resilience to avoid being dragged deeper into trouble.

In Group B, Remo Stars Ladies versus FC Robo Queens tie is the headline act of Matchday 7 and it is also a mouthwatering South-West derby. FC Robo Queens arrive in Ikenne with a flawless record—six wins from six—and a four-point cushion at the top of Group B. Ruthless and composed, the Lagos side have set the pace all season.

Remo Stars Ladies, however, are no pushovers as the Sky Blue Ladies have already shown they can go toe-to-toe with strong opposition. A derby atmosphere, home support and the chance to dent Robo’s perfect run make this a potential season-defining encounter.

Regional pride fuels another South-West showdown between Osun Babes and Sunshine Queens at Lanlereke Sports Complex, Ileogbo. Osun Babes, sitting in the lower half after recent setbacks, face a Sunshine Queens side that has drawn too many matches but remains difficult to beat.

Both teams need points for different reasons—Osun Babes to steady their campaign, Sunshine Queens to climb closer to the top four. Expect a tense, physical contest with little given away.

Fresh from their first win of the season, Confluence Queens welcome one of the league’s most consistent sides, Nasarawa Amazons to their adopted home ground at Iyamho. Nasarawa Amazons remain unbeaten and sit second with 14 points, firmly in the title hunt behind FC Robo.

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Iyamho will be a tricky stop, but the Amazons’ experience and defensive solidity could prove decisive. Confluence, now off the mark, will hope renewed confidence can drive another upset.

In Asaba, third-placed Delta Queens (10 points) continue their steady climb and will see this home fixture against Abia Angels as a chance to consolidate their top-three position. Their narrow away win last week in Umuahia against Ahudiyannem Queens highlighted their ability to grind out results.

Abia Angels, struggling near the foot of the table after another defeat at home to FC Robo Queens, must find inspiration quickly if they are to avoid being cut adrift.