Bayelsa Queens began their title defence at the Nigerian Women Football League (NWFL) Super Six with a hard-fought 1–1 draw against debutants Abia Angels in a lively encounter at the 2026 NWFL Premiership Super Six Finals.
The clash, played at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, delivered tension, drama, and moments of high intensity as both sides battled for control in their opening fixture.
Bayelsa Queens Strike First in NWFL Super Six Opener
The defending champions started strongly and believed they had taken an early lead, only for their effort from a header to be ruled out for offside. They continued to push forward, but their early dominance did not translate into a goal in a tight first half.
The defending champions eventually broke the deadlock shortly after the restart. Harmony Chidi reacted quickest to a loose ball after a goalkeeping error and headed home to give Bayelsa Queens the lead.
However, the advantage was short-lived as Abia Angels responded almost immediately with a penalty, calmly converted by Mariam Abdulrasheed to restore parity.
Abia Angels Fight Back to Secure a Point in NWFL Premiership Super Six Finals
The game opened up after the equaliser, with both teams creating chances in a fast-paced end-to-end contest. Abia Angels nearly turned the match around when a powerful header struck the woodwork before being cleared off the line.
Bayelsa Queens also threatened on the break, but missed key opportunities as Abia Angels’ defence stood firm under pressure.
In the closing stages, both sides pushed for a winner, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough, forcing the NWFL Super Six opener to end level at 1–1.