The wait is finally over! The 2025 NWFL Nationwide League, Nigeria’s most competitive grassroots women’s football division, officially kicks off Saturday, October 11, at the Bwari Township Stadium, Abuja.
Ten determined teams will lock horns for just four golden promotion tickets to the higher tier of the Nigeria Women Football League.
And leading the charge from the Coal City of Enugu is Rangers Women FC, a young but passionate side carrying one of the most iconic names in Nigerian football, Rangers.
This season’s NWFL Nationwide promises tough competition and unforgettable moments across two groups:
GROUP A
Osklean FC (Rivers)
Rangers Women FC (Enugu)
Plateau Queens FC (Plateau)
DreamStars Ladies FC (Lagos)
C2E Sports Academy (Abia)
GROUP B
Sporting Angels FC (Rivers)
Alexander Queens FC (Enugu)
Rosaria Victrix FC (Imo)
NAF Queens FC (Abuja)
Solo Wonders FC (Akwa Ibom)
Rangers Women FC will open their campaign against DreamStars Ladies FC of Lagos, a fixture expected to deliver early fireworks and test the Enugu girls’ readiness.
In an exclusive chat with JOJ Active Arena, Coach Favour Aneke, the dynamic head coach of Rangers Women FC, spoke with passion about what drives his team’s vision.
> “Our mission is simple, to light up hope for the Enugu sports-loving girl child and beyond.”
That statement perfectly captures what Rangers Women FC represents, opportunity, inspiration, and progress for girls who dream of playing professional football.
When you wear the Rangers badge, you carry more than a name, you carry a legacy. For Coach Aneke, that heritage shapes everything the team stands for.
> “Our Rangers strong heritage and never-say-die spirit, that’s what makes us unique.”
But with heritage comes pressure.
> “The pressure that comes with the Rangers logo is real,” he admitted. “That name is older than their fathers. If you know the Rangers story, you’ll understand.”
This acknowledgment reflects his awareness of the expectations surrounding the famous Enugu-based club, known nationwide for its resilience and fighting character.
Ahead of kickoff, Rangers Women FC recorded five unbeaten preseason matches, four wins and one draw. It’s a morale booster that shows promise and teamwork in every department.
> “We worked on the entire squad,” said Coach Aneke. “In my system, defence and attack work as one.”
Coach Aneke also revealed her tactical identity, a system he developed over the years called “PRESS-PLAY.”
> “It’s a system I’ve been working on for nine uninterrupted years, even as a young coach.”
“Press-Play” focuses on coordinated pressing, quick transitions, and synchronized movement, a blend of intensity and creativity that keeps fans entertained while building tactical discipline.
If there’s one thing that defines this Rangers Women FC team, it’s originality.
> “99% of the girls are originals, bred in the soil of Enugu,” said Coach Favour proudly. “They’re all special, just pick your favorite when you watch them.”
With 98% of the squad being inexperienced players, this season is a development journey as much as a competition.
> “There’s nothing to balance between experience and youth,” he added. “We’re here to give them the exposure they need.”
For Rangers Women FC, the mission is clear, PROMOTION.
> “We are our own toughest opponent,” Coach Aneke said confidently. “Nobody can beat you more than yourself.”
This inner-drive mentality, combined with their strong identity, positions Rangers as one of the most exciting sides to watch this season.
Coach Favour’s approach to motivation is refreshingly unique.
> “I don’t motivate them, I only remind them why Rangers is Rangers, they can’t help the storyline.”
He also understands that football without fans is incomplete.
> “No fans, no football. The game belongs to them, and win or learn, we keep them updated.”
To supporters, his message is short but powerful:
> “Stay tuned.”
Looking ahead, Coach Favour has his sights set on something bigger:
> “NWFL Premier and a continental ticket.”
And to every young Nigerian girl dreaming of playing in the NWFL one day, his advice is raw and inspiring:
> “Be stubborn and just play, that’s the only way.”
He ended with a call to action for football authorities and fans:
> “Let the girls play. They deserve more. After all, we’ve been happy lately because of them.”
As the NWFL Nationwide 2025 season kicks off, all eyes will be on Bwari, and especially on the Enugu girls in red and white.
With passion, unity, and their “Press-Play” philosophy, Rangers Women FC are not just chasing promotion, they’re writing a new chapter in the story of women’s football in Nigeria.
So, to every fan back home in Enugu and across Nigeria: stay tuned because this team is ready to make history.
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