Nigeria Women Football League Championship Gets Host and Kickoff Date

The Nigeria Women Football League NWFL has announced that Cross Rivers State will host the 2023/2024 NWFL Championship. The tournament, which is the league’s second division, will take place from August 31 to September 8, 2024, in Calabar.

Building on the successes of the 2024 NWFL season calendar, this Championship follows the Premiership Super Six finals hosted by Bayelsa State, where Edo Queens emerged as first time winners in June. According to NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi, the draws and pre-match meetings will occur on August 29, the day after the clubs arrive.

The Championship will feature 17 registered clubs divided into groups A, B, C, and D. The schedule includes:

Matchday One August 31

Matchday Two September 1

Rest Day September 2

Matchday Three September 3

Matchday Four September 4

Rest Day September 5

Matchday Five September 6

Rest Day September 7

Matchday Six September 8 final matches

The top two teams will be promoted to the NWFL Premiership, while two will be relegated to the third division.

Editorial

The announcement of Cross Rivers State as the host for the 2023/2024 NWFL Championship is an exciting development for women’s football in Nigeria. This event not only provides a platform for emerging talent but also underscores the growing importance and recognition of women’s football in the country.

Hosting the championship in Calabar promises to bring significant attention to the sport, offering local fans the chance to witness high level competition. The tournament’s structure, with multiple matchdays and rest periods, ensures that teams are well prepared and can perform at their best. It is also commendable that the NWFL continues to prioritize organization and transparency, as seen with the pre-match meetings and scheduled draws.

The Championship serves as a critical step for teams aiming to join the NWFL Premiership, offering promotion opportunities that can transform the fortunes of clubs and players alike. For the relegated teams, it provides a chance to regroup and strive for future success. This dynamic adds to the competitive spirit and overall excitement of the tournament.

As the Championship approaches, participating teams need to focus on preparation and strategy. The opportunity to move up to the Premiership is a significant motivator, and teams must capitalize on this chance. Additionally, the rest days incorporated into the schedule reflect a thoughtful approach to player welfare, ensuring athletes can perform at their peak while minimizing the risk of injury.

This event also highlights the role of local governments and stakeholders in supporting and promoting women’s football. Cross Rivers State’s involvement as the host demonstrates a commitment to the sport’s development and the empowerment of female athletes. Such support is crucial for the continued growth and success of women’s football in Nigeria.

As we look forward to the Championship, it is clear that this event will be a celebration of talent, dedication, and the vibrant spirit of Nigerian women’s football. The NWFL’s efforts in organizing this tournament are commendable, and we anticipate a thrilling and memorable competition.

Did You Know?

1. Edo Queens’ Victory Edo Queens won the Premiership Super Six finals hosted by Bayelsa State in June, marking their first time victory.
2. Comprehensive Schedule The Championship includes multiple matchdays with rest periods, ensuring teams have time to recover and prepare.
3. Promotion and Relegation The top two teams from the Championship will be promoted to the NWFL Premiership, while two teams will be relegated to the third division.
4. Participation Over 17 registered clubs will compete in the Championship, divided into four groups.
5. Strategic Planning The NWFL’s organization includes pre-match meetings and scheduled draws, emphasizing transparency and preparation.