As the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship gets underway in Calabar, Cross River State, Unification FC have expressed confidence in their ability to compete for promotion while remaining committed to the club's long-term vision of growth and player development.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Unification FC Director, Oyekan Oluwatobi, said the club arrives in Calabar with a clear philosophy centered on progress, consistency, and the ambition to secure a place in the NWFL Premiership.
According to Oluwatobi, the club's objectives extend beyond simply participating in the championship.
He explained that Unification FC has built its project around continuous development while pursuing promotion to Nigeria's top-flight women's league.
"Our objectives are centered on the club's philosophy, which emphasizes growth and promotion."
The director believes that maintaining this vision has helped shape a competitive squad capable of challenging for one of the two available promotion tickets.
Rather than identifying one outstanding area of his team, Oluwatobi believes Unification FC's biggest strength lies in its overall balance.
He noted that the technical crew has worked hard to ensure every department of the team is competitive.
"Technically and tactically, it is difficult to pinpoint one particular strength because we have been able to strike a balance across all departments on the field."
That balanced approach, he says, gives the coaching staff flexibility throughout the competition.
Preparation for the championship was not without challenges.
Oluwatobi revealed that integrating players from different squads became one of the club's biggest tasks due to a demanding schedule that included State League and FA Cup commitments.
The club responded by promoting several players from its development team into the senior squad.
"We had a tight calendar, so we carefully integrated some of our development team players with the elite squad."
Despite the challenge, he praised the technical crew for successfully creating unity within the team.
"The technical crew has built a bridge between both groups, creating an environment where everyone can thrive."
Unlike teams committed to one style of football, Unification FC plans to remain tactically flexible throughout the tournament.
According to the club director, the coaching staff will adapt its game plan depending on each opponent.
"We will roll out every aspect of our football philosophy and eventually settle for the one that gives us a competitive advantage."
That adaptability could prove valuable in a short tournament where every match carries significant importance.
While acknowledging the competitiveness of the championship, Oluwatobi believes Unification FC possesses the qualities needed to challenge for promotion.
He cited the team's style of play, dynamism, and consistency as reasons for optimism.
"We stand a good chance considering our style of play, dynamism, and consistency."
The message within the Unification FC camp has remained consistent throughout preparations.
The director revealed that the players have been reminded to approach every game with discipline, commitment, and professionalism.
"The message has never changed, play fair, stay dedicated, and remain consistent."
With several experienced clubs participating in the championship, Oluwatobi refused to single out any team as favourites.
Instead, he believes every club deserves an equal opportunity to compete.
"This is a championship where everyone is fighting for the ultimate prize. Every team deserves a fair shot and has an equal chance of success."
The Unification FC director concluded by thanking the club's supporters for their continued belief in the project.
He urged them to remain patient and continue backing the team throughout the championship.
"We want our supporters and well-wishers to keep hope alive as we continue this journey together towards a rewarding future."
Unification FC will compete in Group C alongside Rangers Women FC, Fortress Ladies FC, and Wazbak International FC in what is expected to be one of the most competitive groups at the 2026 NWFL Championship.
With a balanced squad, tactical flexibility, and a strong developmental philosophy, Unification FC will be aiming to turn potential into results as they pursue a historic place in the NWFL Premiership.
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