Honey Badgers, Ibom Angels Secure NWFL Premiership Tickets

Honey Badgers, Ibom Angels Secure NWFL Premiership Tickets

By Niyi Busari

Honey Badgers and Ibom Angels have secured promotion to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership following their victories in the NWFL Championship playoff matches held on Sunday at UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Cross River State.

The Benue State-based Honey Badgers made history with a 1-0 win over Pelican Stars, securing their first-ever promotion to the country's top-flight.

A second-half goal from Hellen Daniel proved to be the difference for Honey Badgers, who displayed resilience and composure throughout the match. Both teams started brightly, with the Badgers missing an early chance to take the lead. Moments later, their goalkeeper Stella Okereke made a crucial save to deny Pelican Stars an opening goal.

The hosts pressed hard in search of the opener, but Honey Badgers' defense held firm. The breakthrough came in the 67th minute when Daniel converted a chance to give the visitors the lead. Despite relentless support from the home crowd, Pelican Stars couldn't find an equalizer as the Badgers held on for the win.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Honey Badgers as they prepare to make their debut in the NWFL Premiership. The team will join Ibom Angels, who also earned promotion earlier in the day with a 2-0 win over Osun Babes in another playoff match.

Ibom Angels dominated their match against Osun Babes, scoring through Abasiofon Uwah and Ijeoma Onweagba. Uwah gave the Uyo-based side an early lead in the 10th minute, while Onweagba doubled the advantage in the 61st minute with a long-range effort. Osun Babes earned a penalty late in the game, but Kafayat Bashiru missed the spot-kick.

The victory sees Ibom Angels return to the NWFL Premiership just a season after their relegation in 2021. This marks the second consecutive season in which Ibom Angels have secured immediate promotion back to the topflight, showcasing their resilience and strong team spirit.

Meanwhile, Chosen Generation Angels and Heroes Queens retained their NWFL Championship status after winning their respective relegation playoff matches. Chosen Generation Angels narrowly edged Kaduna Queens 1-0, with Kafayat Anifowoshe scoring the only goal in the 35th minute. Kaduna Queens were relegated to the third tier despite a strong second-half showing.

Heroes Queens defeated DreamStar FC Ladies 1-0 in the Lagos derby to maintain their place in the NWFL Championship. Ebube Umejiaku scored the decisive goal in the 55th minute, condemning Dreamstar to relegation. The loss marked the end of Dreamstar Ladies' three-year stint in the second tier after their relegation from the Premiership in 2021.

With the conclusion of the NWFL playoffs, Honey Badgers and Ibom Angels are set to compete in the 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership season, while Chosen Generation Angels and Heroes Queens will continue in the NWFL Championship. Kaduna Queens and DreamStar FC Ladies will face the challenge of rebuilding in the third tier.

NWFL Chairman Nkechi Obi congratulated Honey Badgers and Ibom Angels on their promotion to the elite league, noting, "Their hard work and determination have paid off." She also commiserated with Osun Babes and Pelican Stars, acknowledging their efforts throughout the season.

Obi further expressed her gratitude to the Cross River State government for successfully hosting the 2024 NWFL Championship, emphasizing, "This event plays a vital role in promoting women's football in Nigeria."

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