The Power Four: Clubs Tipped for NWFL Championship Promotion in 2025

The 2025 NWFL Championship promises drama, rivalries, and stories of resilience. But beyond the excitement, the ultimate prize is promotion to the NWFL Premiership, the top division of women’s football in Nigeria. With only group winners guaranteed a ticket, the competition will be fierce.

Among the many clubs lining up for battle, four stand out as the strongest contenders. These are the Power Four, the teams most tipped to secure promotion.

1. Gallant Queens (Group A1)

Gallant Queens have become a consistent force in recent seasons. Their impressive performances last year marked them as a team on the rise, and they now enter 2025 as favorites in Group A1.

Armed with discipline and a talented roster, Gallant Queens’ path to the Premiership will likely depend on their ability to deliver in crucial fixtures, particularly their opening clash against First Mahi Babes in the Favourites Derby. Win that, and their confidence could carry them all the way.

2. Sunshine Queens (Group A2)

Relegated from the Premiership on last season, Sunshine Queens are desperate to bounce back. The Akure-based side has responded well, making strong player acquisitions to rebuild their squad.

With topflight experience still within their ranks and an organizational structure that many Championship teams envy, Sunshine Queens are expected to fight tooth and nail for promotion. For them, failure is not an option.

3. Pelican Stars (Group B1)

Once crowned NWFL Premiership Champions, Pelican Stars carry a legacy that few others in this division can match. They came close to securing promotion last season but fell short during the playoffs. This year, they will see nothing less than promotion as acceptable.

Their clash against Ahudiyannem Queens, who enjoy home support in Abiriba, will be an early test of character. If their experience and pedigree shine through, Pelican Stars will be difficult to stop.

4. Osun Babes (Group B2)

For Osun Babes, last season ended in heartbreak when they missed promotion on the final day. That disappointment has fueled their determination for 2025.

With a youthful but balanced squad, the Babes are clear favorites in Group B2. Their match against Imo Striker Queens, a dangerous dark horse, could well decide who secures the group’s coveted ticket to the Premiership.

Gallant Queens, Sunshine Queens, Pelican Stars, and Osun Babes stand tall as the Power Four. But in football, nothing is guaranteed. While they are favorites on paper, every minute on the pitch will matter. Fans can be sure of one thing, the race to the Premiership will be fierce.