Road to the Premiership: 17 Teams Battle for Promotion at 2025 NWFL Championship in Abia

The countdown to one of Nigeria’s most anticipated women’s football competitions has officially begun, as the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) confirmed that the 2025 NWFL Championship will hold in Abia State from September 11 to 21, 2025.

This tournament, which serves as the second tier of women’s football in Nigeria, is more than just another competition, it is the gateway to the NWFL Premiership, the elite division where the nation’s best female footballers showcase their skills. With 17 ambitious clubs registered, the stage is set for a thrilling contest that will not only determine promotions but also shape the future of women’s football in the country.

Speaking on Monday, August 18, 2025, the Chief Operating Officer of the NWFL, Modupe Shabi, confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been finalized.

According to her, the Championship will be played with the highest standards of fairness, professionalism, and sporting excellence.

> “We want to assure all participating teams that the Championship will be conducted under the highest standards of fair play, with a level playing ground for everyone involved,” Shabi stated.

“Our commitment is to ensure that the competition reflects the values of transparency, integrity, and sporting excellence.”

The draws will take place on September 12, 2025, a day after the arrival of teams in Abia, and fixtures will begin on September 13, leading up to the finals on September 21.

The NWFL Championship is not just another tournament, it is the dream bridge for players, coaches, and clubs who want to step into the Premiership spotlight.

Four tickets to the Premiership are up for grabs, and the stakes could not be higher. Only the winners of each group will secure direct promotion, meaning that every match will feel like a final.

For many young female footballers, this tournament represents an opportunity to prove their worth and possibly catch the eyes of national team selectors, scouts, and sponsors.

All matches will be hosted across two historic football venues in Abia State:

Abiriba Stadium

Umuahia Township Stadium

Both venues are known for their passionate crowds and rich football culture, ensuring an electrifying atmosphere throughout the tournament.

Hosting the Championship in Abia further underlines the state’s growing influence in Nigerian football, especially in women’s grassroots development.

Seventeen clubs have confirmed participation in the 2025 NWFL Championship, making it one of the most competitive editions in recent memory.

Full list:

1. Sunshine Queens FC

2. Osun Babes FC

3. Royal Queens FC

4. Pelican Stars FC

5. Ghetto Tigers FC

6. Wazbak Int'l FC

7. Castmog Ladies FC

8. Chosen Generation Angels FC

9. Imo Striker Queens FC

10. Unification FC

11. Delta Babes FC

12. Ahudiyannem Queens FC

13. First Mahi Babes FC

14. Fortress Ladies FC

15. Kwara Ladies FC

16. Moje Queens FC

17. Gallant Queens FC

Among these teams are former Premiership regulars like Sunshine Queens and Pelican Stars, who are eager to reclaim their spot at the top, as well as ambitious newcomers like Ahudiyannem Queens, looking to write their name into history.

The 2025 NWFL Championship isn’t just about promotion; it’s about sustaining the momentum of women’s football in Nigeria.

Following the successful 2024/25 Premiership Super 6 in Ikenne, the NWFL has continued to prove that it is committed to raising standards, ensuring visibility, and building pathways for future stars.

Competitions like this Championship give smaller clubs a platform to showcase their potential, while also unearthing hidden talents that could represent Nigeria at the international stage in years to come.

From September 11 to 21, all eyes will be on Abia State as 17 determined clubs chase four golden tickets to the NWFL Premiership. With the blend of passion, grit, and ambition that Nigerian women’s football is known for, this Championship promises to be a festival of goals, drama, and unforgettable stories.

For fans, players, and the entire football community, the 2025 NWFL Championship will not just be about results, it will be about the rise of new stars, the return of fallen giants, and the celebration of women’s football in Nigeria.



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