The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has officially announced a landmark overhaul of its league structure and operations, signaling a new era for women’s football in the country. The decisions were ratified at the 2025 Annual General Assembly (AGA), held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The meeting, attended by club representatives and league board members, celebrated recent progress while endorsing bold policies aimed at strengthening competitiveness, financial transparency, and talent development across the women’s football pyramid.
The Congress began by expressing appreciation to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the federation’s leadership for their continued support toward the development of the women’s league. Special recognition was also extended to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Sports Commissioner Barr. Chris Green for hosting and supporting the assembly.
Delegates adopted the 2024/2025 financial report and approved the 2025/2026 budget presented by the Secretariat, reinforcing the league’s push toward improved financial governance. It was also confirmed that all clubs must submit season-ending financial reports, another step toward professional standards.
The AGA ratified promotions into the NWFL Premiership from the Championship for the upcoming season:
Promoted to Premiership:
Ahudiyannem Queens, Sunshine Queens, Castmog Ladies, Imo Striker Queens
Promoted to Championship:
Dreamstar Ladies, Rangers Women, Solo Wonders, Rosaria Victrix
The league also announced significant structural changes: starting from the 2026/2027 season, the Premiership will be trimmed from 20 to 16 clubs to enhance quality and competitiveness. As a result, six teams will be relegated at the end of the 2025/2026 campaign, while only two will be promoted from the Championship moving forward.
In a major modernization step, the NWFL officially approved the adoption of an online registration system starting with the new season. To ensure compliance, video tutorials will be made available to clubs ahead of the November 14–22 registration window.
The new season kicks off November 26, 2025, runs until December 17, then resumes January 7, 2026 after the Christmas break. The campaign concludes on April 22, 2026.
The two-group league format remains for the 2025/2026 season:
Group A
Bayelsa Queens (seeded)
Edo Queens
Adamawa Queens
Pacesetter Queens
Heartland Queens
Ekiti Queens
Naija Ratels
Ibom Angels
Castmog Ladies
Rivers Angels
Group B
Nasarawa Amazons (seeded)
Remo Stars Ladies
Confluence Queens
Delta Queens
Sunshine Queens
Ahudiyannem Queens
Dannaz Ladies
Osun Babes
Abia Angels
FC Robo Queens
The star match of week one sees defending champions Bayelsa Queens host Edo Queens at the Samson Siasia Stadium, an early showdown full of title-race implications.
This year's AGA marks one of the most impactful in NWFL history. With improved digital systems, a reduced top tier for quality control, and strict financial accountability, the league appears firmly committed to raising the professional standards of women’s football in Nigeria.
It is a defining moment, one expected to sharpen competition, empower young talent, and elevate Nigerian women’s football further on the global stage.
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