Bayelsa State has been announced as the host for the upcoming Nigeria Women Football League NWFL Super Six tournament, scheduled to take place from May 18 to May 26, 2024. The matches are set to unfold at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, marking a significant event in the state’s sports calendar.
Nkechi Obi, the chairman of the NWFL, expressed her enthusiasm about the selection of Bayelsa as the venue. On behalf of the board and management of the NWFL, let me congratulate Bayelsa State for being selected as the hosts for the NWFL Premiership Super Six, she stated. She further noted that hosting the tournament is expected to enhance women’s football in Bayelsa and elevate the sport’s profile throughout Nigeria.
This event will be the first time Bayelsa State has hosted the NWFL Premiership playoff tournament. It is noteworthy that Yenagoa is the home of Bayelsa Queens, who had an outstanding 2022 campaign, winning the domestic title, the WAFU B playoff, and securing third place in the 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco.
The tournament will employ a round robin format, with each team playing five matches as they vie for the prestigious title. The victorious team will earn the honour of representing Nigeria in the next CAF Women’s Champions League.
Editorial
This year’s NWFL Super Six tournament promises not only to be a showcase of top tier women’s football but also a beacon of growth for the sport in Nigeria, particularly in Bayelsa State. The selection of Bayelsa as the host is a strategic move that acknowledges the state’s commitment to promoting women’s sports and its recent successes on the football pitch.
As we look forward to the kick off at Samson Siasia Stadium, it’s essential to recognize the broader impact such tournaments can have on local communities and the empowerment of women through sports. These events bring attention, excitement, and economic benefits, and more importantly, they inspire young girls to pursue their dreams in athletics.
The success of Bayelsa Queens, who have become champions on domestic and regional stages, exemplifies what can be achieved with dedication and support. Their achievements are not just victories on the field they are victories for every girl who aspires to play football or any sport at a competitive level.
Let’s rally behind the NWFL Super Six as more than just a competition. It is a celebration of women’s sports, a driver of social change, and a testament to the power of providing equal opportunities in sports. Here’s to a successful tournament that sparks more interest and investment in women’s football across Nigeria.
Did You Know?
- Bayelsa Queens not only won the domestic league but also the WAFU B playoff and placed third in the CAF Women’s Champions League in 2022.
- Samson Siasia Stadium, the venue for the tournament, is named after the former Nigerian football player and national team coach, Samson Siasia.
- The NWFL Super Six tournament determines the team that will represent Nigeria in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
- Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, will be hosting the NWFL Premiership playoff tournament for the first time.
- Hosting major sports events like the NWFL Super Six can significantly boost the local economy through tourism and media exposure.
