The 2024/2025 WAFA League season got off to a thrilling start across ten centres with high-scoring games, fierce local derbies, and standout performances that signal an exciting campaign ahead in Nigeria’s fast-rising grassroots women’s football league.
MJV FA Set the Tone with Ruthless Display
In Mushin, MJV FA delivered a brutal welcome to Dynamite Queens with an emphatic 8–0 win. Star striker Mabinuori Ramota bagged a stunning hat-trick to claim the Woman of the Match (WOTM) award, while Busari Tawa and Nnanor Kosi both scored braces.
Sanni Kehinde added her name to the scoresheet as MJV announced themselves as early title contenders with a commanding team performance.
Champions Held, Derbies Delight Fans
Defending champions CATS Ladies were held to a 1–1 draw at home by a resilient Wazbak Queens in Surulere. Abeebah Adediran gave the visitors the lead before Motunrayo Ganiyu equalized, but it was Wazbak’s Kingsley Joy who claimed the WOTM honor for her all-round midfield brilliance.
In Ojota, STM Doves put on a derby masterclass as they crushed U.S Angels 7–2. Christopher Perpetual was the standout performer with a goal and a WOTM-winning display in midfield, supported by goals from Adegoke Gbemisola, Emeti Ebube, and others.
Ajegunle witnessed another tightly-contested derby where Clever Stars and Heroes Queens settled for a 1–1 draw. Chisom M and Kalu Peculiar were the scorers, while Chiazor Cynthia’s tireless effort earned her the WOTM title.
Ghetto Comeback, English Queens Shine
Back in Mushin, Ghetto Tigers Ladies showed character and grit to overturn an early deficit and secure a 3–1 win against Phoenix Queens. After Tom Loveth opened the scoring for the visitors, Ghetto roared back with goals from Bolarinwa Aishat, Oyebamiji Feranmi, and Osho Semilore. Feranmi’s commanding performance earned her the WOTM.
Ijebu Ode saw English Queens edge Victory Queens 2–1 in a thrilling contest. Rofiat Daranijo and Sofiat Radaq delivered the goals that gave the home side the win, while Olayiwola Wuraola’s leadership at the back saw her crowned WOTM.
Vital Away Points and Stalemates
There were also crucial away points for Aseyori Queens and Wazbak Queens, while New Generation and Ayisat Yusuf FA held their nerves for hard-fought draws. SGh Amazons and AYFA battled to a goalless draw in Agege, with Omolara Odebode named WOTM for her defensive heroics.
A League on the Rise
From high-scoring blowouts to gritty draws, the opening week of WAFA League 2024/2025 provided a taste of the talent, tenacity, and tactical growth in women’s grassroots football in Nigeria. With names like Mabinuori Ramota, Christopher Perpetual, and Kingsley Joy already making headlines, the journey to the title promises to be one worth following.
