By IJEOMA OKIGBO

Defending Champions Edo Queens alongside Bayelsa Queens have maintained top spot in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership after Week 8.

The league, after Its mid-season break on Wednesday, with seven matches played across the country, saw Edo and Bayelsa lead group A and B respectively.

After signing five players during the mid-season break, Edo Queens returned with vigour, leading group A with 20 points, from eight games, beating hosts Ekiti Queens FC by a lone goal at the Ilorin Township Stadium.

The result helped the defending champions to maintain the top spot in the group with 20 points, while Ekiti stayed on fifth place, with nine points.

In Lokoja, Confluence Queens picked up the first win of the season, with a lone goal victory against visiting Heartland Queens, at the Enyimba City Stadium.

The victory which excited the Lokoja based ladies, however still remained bottom place in the group with three points, while their opponent, Heartland, is just two places above them with five points.

Also in Group A, Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia handed Remo Stars Ladies of Abeokuta their first loss in the season, with a 1-0 win at the Lafia City Stadium.

In spite of the loss, Remo Stars retained their second position in the group with 19 points, after eight games. The Lafia based team, meanwhile are in fourth position, with 15 points.

Elsewhere, the Abia Angels welcomed Dannaz Ladies FC of Ikeja to the Umuahia Stadium, but failed to allow their guests settle in, as they claimed a 2-0 victory over the Ikeja Ladies.

The win ensured Abia Angels third place position with 16 points, while Dannaz Ladies trailed in seventh, with five points.

In Group B, Bayelsa Queens secured a 3-0 victory against FC Robo Queens of Ikeja, to retain the summit with 20 points, while their Lagos visitors retain the sixth place, with 10 points.

Debutants, Benue Queens are yet to secure a point this season, as they languish in the bottom place after being humbled 0-4 by Naija Ratels of FCT.

Meanwhile Ratels are third placed in the group with 13 points.

Adamawa Queens also lost at home to Rivers Angles FC, helping the visitors gain the second spot in the group with 20 points.

The Port Harcourt team shared same points as their counterparts in Yenagoa who are top, as goal difference influenced hierarchy.

Ibom Angels also hosted Delta Queens FC and was the better of the duo, picking a vital 1-0 victory against their opponents.

However, both teams share same points in the group, although Delta Queens are fourth place, a spot above their Uyo counterparts.

A total of 16 teams, grouped into two, are participating in the league, where three top teams in each group would qualify for the Super Six playoffs, where the winner of the league would be determined. (NAN)