Rivers Angels pay price for Super Six celebrations as Heartland Queens secure comfortable win

Heartland Queens produced a strong first-half performance to defeat Rivers Angels 2-1, taking advantage of a slow start from the visitors in a tightly contested encounter.

Heartland ladies made a fast start and were rewarded in the 4th minute when Mattew Monica curled in a well-taken free kick to open the scoring.

Heartland Queens strike early to seize control of the game

The early goal set the tone, and the home side doubled their advantage in the 19th minute through Umejiaku Oluebube, who finished clinically to put Rivers Angels under serious pressure.

Rivers Angels showed signs of life in the 29th minute when Grace Saliu reduced the deficit from a Jumia Adebayo corner kick, bringing the game back to 2-1 before the break.

Rivers Angels respond but fall short in comeback push

Despite the response, the visitors struggled to build sustained pressure afterwards, with Heartland Queens holding firm to protect their lead.

The result is a setback for Rivers Angels, especially given the attacking influence of their key forward, who already has 10 goal contributions this season and had previously inspired victory in the reverse fixture with a brace of assists.

Heartland Queens, meanwhile, will take confidence from a disciplined performance that secured a valuable win against one of the league’s stronger sides.

Other Results from NWFL Matchday 16

Matchday 16 of the NWFL Premiership delivered goals, intensity, and one clear trend—home dominance.

All home teams avoided defeat, combining for over 18 goals in a weekend packed with statement performances.

The standout display came in Lafia, where Nasarawa Amazons ran riot with a 4-0 win over Confluence Queens.

Ayatsea Hembafan led the charge with an early brace. Sunshine Queens also impressed, sealing a 3-0 derby victory against Osun Babes in Akure, while Ekiti Queens and Abia Angels secured comfortable wins to maintain their momentum.

At the top, Bayelsa Queens strengthened their grip with a composed 2-0 win over Adamawa Queens.

FC Robo Queens edged Remo Stars Ladies 1-0, and Ahudiyannem Queens controlled their clash with a 2-0 result against Dannaz Ladies.

The only draw came in Ibadan, where Edo Queens held Pacesetter Queens to a goalless but important result.

Off the pitch, the playoff race is taking shape. In Group A, Bayelsa Queens, Rivers Angels, and Edo Queens have already secured Super Six spots.

Group B, however, remains wide open, with FC Robo Queens qualified and three teams—Nasarawa Amazons, Abia Angels, and Remo Stars Ladies—battling for the remaining places in a tense finish.