Naija Ratels Lose to Rivers Angels as NWFL Enters Matchday 2

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Naija Ratels may have fallen 1-0 to Rivers Angels in Port Harcourt, but the biggest headline from Matchday 2 of the 2025 NWFL Premiership was the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Mercy Vincent, whose brilliance kept the former champions at bay for most of the encounter.

Vincent pulled off a string of remarkable saves — including point-blank stops and full-stretch reflex efforts — frustrating Rivers Angels’ attackers and earning applause from even the home supporters. Her effort kept Ratels in the game until Sharon Onwere finally found the breakthrough in the 55th minute.

Despite the defeat, Vincent stood out as the top performer across all fixtures played on Matchday 2.

Across the country, the matchday produced narrow scorelines, late goals, and strong defensive displays. In Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti Queens rescued a 1-1 draw against Adamawa Queens after an own goal by Favour Godwin in stoppage time cancelled out Mary Sunday’s opener.

Delta Queens and Sunshine Queens settled for a goalless draw in Asaba, while Remo Stars Ladies secured a 1-0 win over Abia Angels in Ikenne thanks to a 25th-minute strike from Aisha Animashaun.

Edo Queens continued their impressive run with a 1-0 victory against Heartland Queens in Benin, courtesy of an early finish from Atume Doosuur. In Uyo, Ibom Angels clinched a late 1-0 win over Pacesetters Queens after Helen Daniel scored in the 87th minute.

Osun Babes also relied on late drama in Ile-Ogbo as Nofisat Tijani converted an 87th-minute penalty to seal a 1-0 win over Ahudiyannem Queens.

In Lagos, Dannaz Ladies held former champions Nasarawa Amazons to a hard-fought goalless draw, showing improved organisation and defensive stability.

Elsewhere in Lagos, Robo Queens recorded the most emphatic victory of the round with a commanding 4-0 win over Confluence Queens. Favour Nkwocha opened the scoring, Tosin Rafiu doubled the lead, and Kemi Adegbuyi completed the rout with a rapid brace in the 54th and 56th minutes.