The Nigeria Women’s Football League NWFL marked a significant milestone during its 2024 Annual General Assembly AGA held on December 17th in Abuja. The meeting celebrated financial recovery, league reforms, and ambitious plans for the future of women’s football in Nigeria.
Plans to expand the NWFL Premiership from 16 to 20 clubs by the 2025/2026 season were also announced. Additionally, a States League will launch in the 2024/2025 season, creating a three-tier structure for talent development. Specialized committees were formed to oversee marketing, communication, and the league’s various tiers.
Promotions and relegations were confirmed, with Ibom Angels and Honey Badgers advancing to the Premiership, while Royal Queens and Sunshine Queens were relegated. The 2024/2025 season will maintain its two-group league format, with a Star Match between Edo Queens and Abia Angels kicking off the season on January 15, 2025.
Gratitude was extended to the Nigeria Football Federation NFF and key supporters. A vote of confidence was passed on the NWFL Board, led by Nkechi Obi, for its transformative leadership.
Editorial
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The NWFL’s strides towards financial sustainability and structural reform are both inspiring and critical for the advancement of women’s football in Nigeria. These initiatives showcase the power of strategic vision and collaboration in fostering growth.
Key achievements included a financial turnaround from a ₦15 million deficit in the previous year to a surplus of ₦3 million. This success was attributed to the “Women Football Rising” initiative and operational improvements by the NWFL Secretariat. The Congress approved the proposed budget for the 2024/2025 season, paving the way for further growth.
We see the league’s recovery from a financial deficit to a surplus as a testament to effective governance. It demonstrates that even within a challenging economic climate, women’s sports can thrive with the right focus and execution.
The planned league expansion is a particularly exciting development, promising more opportunities for players and enhancing the league’s competitiveness. Introducing the States League as a third tier is a visionary step, creating a robust pipeline for young talent.
This progress is not just about sports but about societal impact—empowering women, building communities, and inspiring the next generation. The NWFL is setting a standard, and its trajectory offers hope for similar initiatives across the continent.
Did You Know?
- The NWFL is one of Africa’s oldest women’s football leagues, founded in 1990.
- The “Women Football Rising” initiative has been pivotal in attracting sponsorships and media attention.
- Nkechi Obi is the first woman to lead the NWFL Board.
- The Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament serves as a key talent scout for the league.
- Nigeria is the only African nation with a three-tier women’s football league structure under development.
