By: ’Tana Aiyejina.
Champions of the Nigeria Women’s Football League, Bayelsa Queens, will hope to retain their title at this year’s NWFL Super Six tournament, which begins at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, on Tuesday.
Bayelsa emerged champions with a perfect record in 2022, amassing 15 points from wins over Nasarawa Amazons, Rivers Angels, Delta Queens, Edo Queens and Naija Ratels.
This year, they claimed their spot in the Super Six playoffs after the conclusion of matches of the NWFL regular season.
Fourteen clubs participated in the regular season, which kicked off December 1, 2022 and ended April 21. The clubs were split into two groups of seven, with the top three from each pool qualifying for the final tournament.
In Group A, Edo Queens finished as winners with 25 points from 12 matches, followed by Robo Queens with 22 points and Confluence Queens in third with 21 points.
Delta Queens claimed the top spot in Group B with 26 points, one ahead of title holders Bayelsa Queens, who were second and Rivers Angels in third with 20 points from 12 games.
All six participating teams are expected to arrive in Asaba on Monday (today), while action commences Tuesday.
Despite finishing second Group B, Bayelsa feel they have what it takes to defend their title.
The 2023 NWFL Super Six champions will represent Nigeria at the 2023 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifiers in August, which serves as qualifiers for the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Meanwhile, top scorer in the NWFL, Omokwo Mercy of Delta Queens, has vowed to continue with her superb performance in the Super Six contest.
Omokwo finished the regular season with nine goals in 12 matches, three ahead of trio Abia Angels’ Agams Nkechi, teammate Chinaza Agoh and Robo Queens’ Folashade Ijamilusi, who all netted six goals.
Delta State Governor Sherrif Oborevwori is expected to grace the event to cheer the teams.