Bayelsa Queens have reclaimed their throne in Nigerian women’s football, clinching the 2024/25 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership title with a commanding 4-1 victory over Naija Ratels in the final round of the Super Six playoffs held at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
The Prosperity Girls entered the decisive match needing a win to secure the championship, and they delivered emphatically. Striker Vera Michael was the star of the show, netting a sensational hat-trick to lead her team to glory.
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She opened the scoring in the 28th minute, but Naija Ratels’ Adeshina Tumininu equalized in the 42nd minute. Undeterred, Bayelsa Queens regained the lead through Mega Cynthia in the 47th minute.
Vera Michael then sealed the victory with goals in the 61st and 67th minutes, completing her hat-trick and ensuring the title returned to Yenagoa.
“This means everything to us,” said Vera Michael after the match. “We’ve worked so hard all season, and to deliver for Bayelsa, for our fans, and to be back representing Nigeria in Africa—this is a dream come true.”
This triumph marks Bayelsa Queens’ sixth NWFL title, adding to their previous successes in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2018, and 2022. Their victory also secures them a spot in the upcoming West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B qualifiers for the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League, offering a chance to shine on the continental stage once again.
In other final-day matches, Nasarawa Amazons, who needed a win to claim the title, were held to a goalless draw by Edo Queens, finishing second with 9 points. Edo Queens secured third place with 8 points. Rivers Angels defeated Remo Stars Ladies 2-1, finishing fourth with 7 points, while Remo Stars Ladies and Naija Ratels ended the Super Six in fifth and sixth places, respectively.
Bayelsa Queens’ unbeaten run throughout the regular season and their dominant performance in the Super Six underscore their status as a powerhouse in Nigerian women’s football. With their eyes now set on continental success, the Prosperity Girls are poised to represent Nigeria with pride in the upcoming WAFU Zone B qualifiers.
