Cross River State in southeastern Nigeria has been selected to host the 2023/2024 Nigeria Women’s Football League NWFL Championship. The event, marking the league’s second division, is scheduled from August 31 to September 8, 2024, in Calabar. Following the success of the 2024 NWFL season calendar and the Premiership Super Six finals hosted by Bayelsa State, where Edo Queens triumphed, this Championship aims to continue the momentum.
Modupe Shabi, Chief Operating Officer of the NWFL, announced that the draws and pre-match meetings will occur on August 29, following the arrival of the clubs. The 17 registered teams will be divided into four groups A, B, C, and D, with matches played across two venues. The schedule is as follows:
Matchday One August 31, featuring eight matches.
Matchday Two September 1, featuring eight matches.
Rest Day September 2.
Matchday Three September 3, featuring eight matches.
Matchday Four September 4, featuring eight matches.
Rest Day September 5.
Matchday Five September 6, featuring eight matches.
Rest Day September 7.
Final Matchday Six September 8, with four matches to determine promotion and relegation.
The top two teams will be promoted to the NWFL Premiership, while two teams will be relegated to the third division of the women’s league in Nigeria.
Editorial:
The decision to host the 2023/2024 NWFL Championship in Cross River State is a significant milestone for women’s football in Nigeria. We believe this move will not only boost local enthusiasm but also provide a broader platform for showcasing emerging talent.
The structured schedule, ensuring rest days between intense match periods, reflects thoughtful planning aimed at maintaining player performance and health. Hosting such a prestigious event in Calabar will likely inspire young athletes, emphasizing the growing importance and recognition of women’s sports.
We see this Championship as an opportunity to celebrate and elevate women’s football in Nigeria. The promotion and relegation battles will undoubtedly add excitement and competitive spirit, highlighting the league’s dynamic nature.
By bringing together 17 teams, this event fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among participants and spectators alike. Our hope is that the Championship will not only enhance the profiles of the participating clubs but also leave a lasting legacy of sports development in Cross River State.
Did You Know?
- Cross River State has hosted several national and international sporting events, enhancing its reputation as a key sports hub in Nigeria.
- Calabar, the state capital, is known for its vibrant culture and annual Calabar Carnival, often dubbed Africa’s biggest street party.
- The Nigeria Women’s Football League was established in 1990, promoting the development of women’s football in the country.
- The NWFL has three tiers: the Premiership, the Championship, and the Nationwide League, providing a structured pathway for clubs.
- Women’s football in Nigeria has produced globally recognized talents like Asisat Oshoala, who plays for FC Barcelona Femení.
