By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

 

Naija Ratels may have fallen 1–0 to Rivers Angels in Port Harcourt, but the headline act of Matchday 2 was unmistakable — goalkeeper Mercy Vincent, whose heroic performance kept the former champions at bay for most of the evening.

 

From point-blank denials to full-stretch reflex stops, Vincent delivered save after save, frustrating the Rivers Angels frontline and earning applause even from the home crowd. Her commanding presence ensured Ratels stayed in the contest until Sharon Onwere finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute.

 

Despite the loss, Vincent emerged as the standout performer across all NWFL Premiership venues, underscoring her growing reputation as one of the league’s most promising young shot-stoppers.

 

Across the country, Matchday 2 produced tight scorelines, late drama, and disciplined defending.

 

In Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti Queens snatched a stoppage-time equaliser through an own goal by Favour Godwin, cancelling out Mary Sunday’s opener for Adamawa Queens in a 1–1 draw.

 

In Asaba, Delta Queens and Sunshine Queens battled to a goalless stalemate, while in Ikenne, Aisha Animashaun’s 25th-minute strike handed Remo Stars Ladies a narrow 1–0 win over Abia Angels.

 

Edo Queens continued their strong start in Benin with a 1–0 victory over Heartland Queens, courtesy of an early finish from Atume Doosuur. In Uyo, Ibom Angels waited until the 87th minute for Helen Daniel to secure a late 1–0 win over Pacesetters Queens.

 

There was more late drama in Ile-Ogbo, where Nofisat Tijani calmly converted an 87th-minute penalty to lift Osun Babes to a 1–0 win over Ahudiyannem Queens.

 

In Lagos, Dannaz Ladies earned a hard-fought 0–0 draw against former champions Nasarawa Amazons, showcasing newfound resilience and organisation.

 

Meanwhile, Lagos also hosted the standout scoreline of the night as Robo Queens delivered a commanding 4–0 demolition of Confluence Queens. Favour Nkwocha opened the scoring before Tosin Rafiu doubled the lead. Kemi Adegbuyi then sealed the rout with a blistering two-minute brace in the 54th and 56th minutes.

 

Matchday 2 of the 2025 NWFL Premiership was rich in storylines, but none shone brighter than Mercy Vincent’s extraordinary goalkeeping display — a reminder that in a league defined by fine margins, brilliance between the posts can be the biggest spectacle of all.