Bayelsa Queens laid down an early marker in the 2022 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Super 6 with a 2-1 win over defending champions, Rivers Angels on Monday evening.
The defending champions began the game brightly, causing all sorts of trouble for Bayelsa Queens but couldn’t make their dominance count. Bayelsa Queens weathered the early storm and eventually got going as the game became more of a contest.
In the 33rd minute, Bayelsa Queens broke the deadlock through Joy Bokiri who pounced on a loose ball in the Rivers Angels’ box after they failed to clear their lines.
The reigning champions began the second half with more intent, threatening the Bayelsa Queens defence and eventually got their breakthrough courtesy of a well-taken freekick from left back, Rafiat Imran in the 76th minute.
Following their equaliser, Rivers Angels remained threatening in attack only to be caught on the counter and concede a late goal from the boots of Super Falcons forward and FC Robo loanee, Monday Gift.
The other opening day fixture saw Delta Queens play out a goalless draw with Edo Queens.
Rivers Angels will have to put the disappointing loss behind them as they square up against Delta Queens on Tuesday evening to get their NWFL Super 6 campaign back on track. Other matchday fixtures will see Naija Ratels go up against Bayelsa Queens, as Edo Queens and Nasarawa Amazons both do battle.