The 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership returns today Wednesday, January 7, following the Christmas and New Year break, with Matchday Five offering a pivotal set of fixtures across Groups A and B as the season begins to take shape.

With early momentum now crucial, this round serves as a defining checkpoint. Sides pushing for Super Six qualification will be eager to reinforce strong starts, while teams near the bottom know dropped points at this stage could quickly deepen relegation concerns. Headlining the fixtures is a fiercely contested South–South derby in Uyo, where defending champions Bayelsa Queens take on Ibom Angels.

GROUP A

Adamawa Queens vs Rivers Angels (Makwada)

Adamawa Queens return to home soil looking to steady themselves after suffering their first defeat of the season, a result that briefly halted an otherwise encouraging start. With two wins, a draw and a loss, the Makwada-based side have shown attacking promise, but now face their toughest examination yet.

Rivers Angels arrive as the benchmark. Unbeaten and flawless in their opening three matches, the Port Harcourt giants continue to set the pace in Group A. Recent history also leans heavily in their favour, having completed an emphatic double over Adamawa Queens last season with an 8–1 aggregate score. For the hosts, defensive discipline will be essential to avoid a repeat.

Ibom Angels vs Bayelsa Queens (Uyo)

The standout fixture of Matchday Five takes centre stage in Uyo as Ibom Angels welcome defending champions Bayelsa Queens in a fiery South–South derby.

Ibom Angels’ campaign has been inconsistent so far, with one win, one draw, and two defeats, yet they have proven difficult to beat at home. Bayelsa Queens, however, arrive with authority, having won all three of their matches this season. While the champions have claimed two of the last three meetings, including a dominant 3–0 win last term, Ibom Angels will draw belief from the goalless draw they forced in Uyo last season, setting the tone for a potentially tight encounter.

Ekiti Queens vs Naija Ratels FC (Abeokuta)

Desperation and opportunity collide in Abeokuta as Ekiti Queens face Naija Ratels FC, with both sides searching for a first win of the season.

Ekiti Queens have managed just one point from three matches, with defensive errors proving costly. The return home offers a chance to regroup. Naija Ratels, meanwhile, have shown attacking flashes but remain inconsistent. Their collapse from a two-goal lead in a 2–2 draw against Heartland Queens typifies their struggles. With both teams under pressure, this fixture could prove season-defining.

Pacesetter Queens vs Heartland Queens (Ibadan)

Debutants Pacesetter Queens continue their search for a first point as they host Heartland Queens in Ibadan.

Four straight defeats have underlined the steep learning curve for Pacesetter Queens, though their youthful squad continues to gain valuable experience. Heartland Queens arrive with a steadier record and will view this fixture as an opportunity to build momentum, knowing anything less than victory could raise questions about their own ambitions.

GROUP B

Confluence Queens vs Osun Babes

A familiar rivalry is renewed as Confluence Queens and Osun Babes meet for the first time since the 2021/22 season.

Confluence Queens have endured a difficult run, losing three consecutive matches after opening with a spirited draw against Abia Angels. Defensive frailties have dented confidence. Osun Babes, by contrast, appear to be finding rhythm, recording one win, two draws and one loss, and will target their first away win of the campaign.

Delta Queens vs Dannaz Ladies (Asaba)

History will be made at the Stephen Keshi Stadium as Delta Queens host Dannaz Ladies in their first-ever NWFL Premiership meeting.

Both sides have struggled for consistency, alternating between encouraging spells and costly mistakes. Delta Queens will look to home support for stability, while Dannaz Ladies’ energy and fearlessness could pose problems. For both teams, this represents a chance to reset their season.

Remo Stars Ladies vs Nasarawa Amazons (Ikenne)

One of the most finely balanced fixtures of the round sees unbeaten Remo Stars Ladies host Nasarawa Amazons in Ikenne.

Both sides boast identical records of two wins and two draws and are firmly in the Super Six picture. Nasarawa Amazons bring pedigree as last season’s runners-up, while Remo Stars Ladies have impressed with organisation and intensity. Their goalless draw at last season’s Super Six suggests another tightly contested tactical battle.

FC Robo Queens vs Ahudiyannem Queens (Lagos)

FC Robo Queens will aim to preserve their perfect start when they welcome Ahudiyannem Queens to Lagos.

Robo Queens have won all four of their matches, boasting the league’s longest winning run and emerging as early title contenders. Ahudiyannem Queens, still seeking their first-ever NWFL victory, face a daunting task, but will be eager to upset the form book and make history.

Abia Angels vs Sunshine Queens (Aba)

Abia Angels and Sunshine Queens meet on level terms, each with one win, two draws and one defeat.

Recent encounters between the sides have been finely balanced, often settled by narrow margins. With both teams hovering around the middle of the table, this clash could prove crucial in shaping the Group B standings as the season gathers momentum.