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Naija Ratels secured the final spot in the 2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Super Six after a goalless draw against the undefeated Bayelsa Queens at the Bwari city stadium, Abuja in the final Group B fixture of the regular season.
This result sparked celebrations among the Abuja-based side as they secured their place in the NWFL playoffs for the second time since moving to the top flight league.
Speaking after the draw, coach of Naija Ratels, Samson Keshi, rated his ladies highly after sharing points with the unbeaten Bayelsa Queens to qualify for the super six as he claims the aim is to reach the final of the playoffs.
“I give my girls hundred percent praise because Bayelsa Queens are a very good side. I played them almost 2-3 times now and I know they are one of the best teams in the country. And for my girls to come out today with a point that surpass any other team to qualify them for the Super Six from my zone. So I thank my girls and I give them praises.
“And I know the Super Six is going to be a different ballgame. I promise to reach the final of the Super Six,” he said.
Also, his opposite number, coach White Ogbonda who asserted that the home team weren’t underdogs coming into the tie, was proud of his side for squeezing out an important point away from home to finish the season unbeaten.
“People who don’t know Naija Ratels think that Najia Ratels is just a team that you can come and beat. But when you play them, you know that they have a team. So for us to come to Abuja here today in their home ground and get a point, I would say that we did well. My girls did well, which means they are ready for the Super six.
“When this regular season started, we first of all gave ourselves five matches unbeaten. Then when we succeeded in getting that five matches unbeaten, we gave ourselves another target. So our target now going to the Super six is to ensure we go first four matches unbeaten,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Naija Ratels, Allison James Jegede, who was full of joy and appreciation for the technical crew and players said all eyes are on winning the super six as the aim is to reach the WAFU championship.
“I thank my technical crew for going extra mile to do what they have to do technically to bring up these girls to where we are today. I am very, excited. I am, very happy. I also thank the players because of their zeal and determination.
“We’re going back to the drawing board now to go and put our cards on the table. We actually want to go to WAFU and Intercontinental. We’re not going there to play,” she said.
Despite a hard-fought 2-1 victory for FC Robo Queens against Delta Queens in their final Group B fixture, it wasn’t enough for the Lagos-based team to leapfrog Naija Ratels.
The point secured by Ratels against Bayelsa Queens was all that was needed in the final standings, keeping Robo Queens at bay in 4th position.
As the regular season wrapped up, all eyes are now on the Super Six showdown in Ikenne, Ogun state, as top three contenders from the two NWFL groups will clash for the ultimate prize.
Rivers Angels, Remo Stars Ladies, Edo Queens, Bayelsa Queens, Naija Ratels, and Nasarawa Amazons have all fought their way in and will now fiercely compete to claim the coveted title of 2024/25 NWFL Champions.
Blueprint Newspapers is a Nigerian daily print newspaper founded and published in Abuja, Nigeria. While https://blueprint.ng is the online version
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