"We're Here to Build the Future' – Wazbak Int'l Coach Downplays Promotion Pressure Ahead of NWFL Championship

 

As the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship kicks off in Calabar, Cross River State, Wazbak International FC are taking a different approach from many of the clubs chasing promotion.

While several teams have declared their ambitions of earning one of the two coveted promotion tickets to the NWFL Premiership, Wazbak head coach Adeniyi Wasiu Adekola says his club's primary focus is not immediate promotion but developing young talents for the future.

Speaking ahead of the championship, the experienced coach admitted that the tournament represents an important learning opportunity for his youthful squad.

"We're going there to develop and expose our young players," Adekola said.

Wazbak International will head into the competition with one of the youngest teams participating in this year's championship.

According to Adekola, the age profile of his squad removes unnecessary pressure from the players and allows them to play with freedom while gaining valuable experience.

"If my team is not the youngest, then we are certainly one of the youngest teams in the competition. We don't have pressure, and every player is ready to work together."

The coach believes the togetherness within the squad will help the players compete confidently despite their limited experience.

Like many privately-owned clubs in Nigerian football, Wazbak International also faced financial hurdles in preparing for the tournament.

Adekola explained that the short notice between the league's announcement and the commencement of the championship created additional difficulties for the club.

"Financial issues, of course, because the time given by the league management was too short for us to adequately prepare for the journey."

Despite the challenges, the club's technical crew remained united in ensuring preparations continued.

"They had no choice but to come together, plan ahead and ensure the team was ready."

Unlike many clubs making promotion their sole target, Wazbak are approaching the competition with a long-term vision.

The coach reiterated that the club's priority is preparing players for bigger opportunities in Nigerian women's football.

"Our players are very young, and we're here to develop them and prepare them for the next stage of their careers."

That philosophy, he believes, will ultimately benefit both the players and the club in future seasons.

Although promotion to the NWFL Premiership remains the ultimate reward, Adekola was realistic when assessing his team's chances.

He acknowledged that Wazbak are not considered favourites to secure one of the available tickets.

"We're not among the favourites for now, but maybe in the future."

The honest assessment reflects a club more focused on sustainable growth than immediate success.

Ahead of the opening fixtures, the Wazbak coach revealed the simple message he has given his players.

He urged them to remain focused, mentally prepared and embrace the challenge of competing against more experienced opponents.

"They should stay focused, prepare mentally and be ready for the big challenge ahead."

Asked about the teams likely to challenge for promotion, Adekola admitted he was unfamiliar with many of the squads but acknowledged that every tournament has its favourites.

"I don't really know the players in the other teams, but every competition always has favourites."

Still, he believes football has a way of rewarding hard work and determination regardless of pre-tournament predictions.

The Wazbak coach also appreciated the club's supporters and asked them to remain patient throughout the competition.

"Stay calm and watch out. We will make you proud."

Drawn in Group C alongside Rangers Women FC, Fortress Ladies FC, and Unification FC, Wazbak International face a difficult task in one of the tournament's competitive groups.

While promotion may not be their immediate expectation, the club sees the 2026 NWFL Championship as an opportunity to showcase its young talents on a national stage and continue building for the future.

For Wazbak International, Calabar is not just about chasing promotion, it's about laying the foundation for long-term success in Nigerian women's football.