The battle for the 2026 Presidents’ Federation Cup women’s crown heats up today as the tournament moves into the Round of 16, with a slate of standout matches staged across four different venues.
Key takeaways
- The Round of 16 features matches across four centres, with several ties kicking off at 1pm and 4pm.
- FC Robo Queens meet Remo Stars Ladies in a South-West derby in Akure at the Ondo State Sports Complex.
- Heartland Queens take on Ahudiyannem Queens in Enugu, while Confluence Queens host Esthington FC later the same day.
- Rivers Angels begin their defence against Abia Angels in Eket, and Bayelsa Queens face Ibom Angels in Awka.
- There is also a Kaduna fixture as Naija Ratels play Nasarawa Amazons at 4pm.
Derbies and headline clashes across the South-West and South-East
The most anticipated tie of the round pairs two South-West rivals as FC Robo Queens clash with Remo Stars Ladies at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure. The match is set to begin at 1pm and is billed as a meeting between two sides with clear ambitions. FC Robo Queens have built a strong reputation for developing talent, while Remo Stars Ladies continue to solidify their status as a major presence in the women’s game. With a place in the quarter-finals on the line, both teams are expected to treat the contest with maximum intensity.
Later, in the South-East, Ahudiyannem Queens lock horns with Heartland Queens at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu at 1pm. The fixture brings together two clubs with high aspirations and a deep-rooted regional rivalry. Heartland Queens’ experience at the top level could be a deciding factor, but Ahudiyannem Queens will be encouraged by their performances in this year’s competition and will fancy their chances of springing an upset.
Awka and Enugu host more knockout tests, with Rivers aiming to keep momentum
Awka becomes the stage for another potentially explosive matchup as Delta Queens take on Edo Queens in a South-South derby at 4pm. Both teams have established themselves with strong cup histories and are recognised names in Nigerian women’s football. With the knockout nature of the competition, the tie is set up to be highly competitive, and each side has players capable of turning the game in their favour.
Meanwhile, defending champions Rivers Angels continue their push for another Federation Cup triumph when they travel to Eket Township Stadium in Akwa Ibom to face Abia Angels. The match kicks off at 4pm. Rivers Angels are the favourites, but they will be cautious of Abia Angels, who will be eager to make a statement and force an upset.
Also in Awka, Ibom Angels take on Bayelsa Queens in what promises to be a demanding Round of 16 encounter. Bayelsa Queens—known for the experience of their Prosperity Ladies identity in knockout football—will expect a stern test, but Ibom Angels are the kind of opponents who can cause problems for bigger names. The visitors will see this as an opportunity to progress to the last eight, with kick-off scheduled for 1pm.
Back in Abuja, another 4pm contest is set as Plateau United Queens take on Sunshine Queens at the Area 3 Playing Ground. Both teams have impressed in cup stretches and will be looking to make the most of the format, where each game can define the season’s direction.
Enugu also hosts a second match at 4pm, with Confluence Queens meeting Esthington FC. Esthington FC have emerged as one of the surprise stories of the tournament this year, and they will aim to extend that momentum when they face the Lokoja-based side.
Kaduna closes the round’s action
The final fixture of the Round of 16 is scheduled for Kaduna, where Naija Ratels battle Nasarawa Amazons at 4pm. Nasarawa Amazons remain among the most decorated outfits in Nigerian women’s football, and they will be looking to lean on their experience. Naija Ratels, meanwhile, will hope their youthful energy and drive can carry them into the quarter-finals.
Round of 16 fixtures (venues and kick-off times)
- Akure: FC Robo Queens vs Remo Stars Ladies (1pm)
- Enugu: Ahudiyannem Queens vs Heartland Queens (1pm)
- Enugu: Confluence Queens vs Esthington FC (4pm)
- Awka: Ibom Angels vs Bayelsa Queens (1pm)
- Awka: Delta Queens vs Edo Queens (4pm)
- Abuja: Plateau United Queens vs Sunshine Queens (4pm)
- Eket, Akwa Ibom: Rivers Angels vs Abia Angels (4pm)
- Kaduna: Naija Ratels vs Nasarawa Amazons (4pm)
