Rangers Women claimed a crucial 2-1 victory over Wazbak International Sports Academy to move top of Group C at the 2026 NWFL Championship and close in on promotion.
Rangers Women moved into pole position in Group C of the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship after a hard fought 2-1 victory over Wazbak International Sports Academy in Calabar on Monday.
Following an opening day goalless draw against Unification FC, the Flying Antelopes knew victory would put their promotion ambitions firmly back on track. They responded with a disciplined display to secure all three points and climb to the top of the standings with four points from two matches.
Both sides battled for control during an evenly contested opening period, with chances at a premium as the game appeared destined to reach the break goalless.
However, Rangers found the breakthrough in first half stoppage time.
Blessing Akan showed composure inside the penalty area to fire home in the 45+4th minute, handing the Enugu side a deserved 1-0 lead heading into the interval.
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Wazbak emerged from the restart with greater urgency and drew level six minutes into the second half.
Ayomide Taiwo produced a superbly struck free kick in the 51st minute to bring the Lagos based side back into the contest.
Rangers, though, refused to allow the momentum to swing. Their response came almost immediately.
Sustained pressure inside the Wazbak penalty area earned the Flying Antelopes a spot kick in the 55th minute.
Three minutes later, Chisom Chukwuemeka stepped up confidently and converted from the penalty spot to restore Rangers’ lead. They went on to produce a composed defensive display, managing the closing stages effectively to secure a valuable 2-1 victory.
The result, combined with the goalless draw between Unification FC and Fortress Ladies in the day’s other Group C fixture, lifted Rangers Women to the summit of the table.
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rangers Women | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 2 | Wazbak International Sports Academy | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| 3 | Unification FC | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 4 | Fortress Ladies | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
The standings leave Rangers in an excellent position heading into the decisive final round of matches.
Rangers will face bottom placed Fortress Ladies, while second placed Wazbak take on Unification FC in another crucial Group C encounter.
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With one win and one draw from their opening two matches, Rangers Women remain unbeaten and firmly in control of their promotion destiny.
