NWFL Premiership expands to 16 teams as new season kicks off on November 15
(LAGOS, Made In Africa Sport) – The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) marked another significant milestone with the successful conclusion of its Annual General Assembly (AGA) on Friday, 5 October, 2023, hosted at the prestigious BON Hotel & Suites in Ikeja GRA, Lagos State.
The AGA, attended by 22 club representatives, witnessed several resolutions that promise to reshape women’s football in Nigeria.
In a groundbreaking move, the NWFL AGA approved the expansion of the NWFL Premiership from 14 to 16 teams and the NWFL Championship from 12 to 20 teams. Additionally, the Nationwide League will undergo restructuring into State Leagues, providing more opportunities for women’s football development.
The Congress confirmed the promotion of Dannaz Ladies, Sunshine Queens, Lakeside Queens (Remo Stars Ladies), and Ekiti Queens to the NWFL Premiership from the Championship. Simultaneously, Ibom Angels and Osun Babes were relegated to the NWFL Championship.
The AGA announced Wednesday, 15 November, 2023, as the kick-off date for the 2023/2024 NWFL Premiership season, adopting a two-group format for the season, with Group A and Group B.
Naija Ratels, Nasarawa Amazons, Confluence Queens, Abia Angels, Heartland Queens, Dannaz Ladies, Royal Queens, and Adamawa Queens makes up Group A while Remo Stars Ladies, Rivers Angels, Delta Queens, Sunshine Queens, Robo Queens, Edo Queens, Ekiti Queens, and Bayelsa Queens are in Group B.
Week one fixtures:
– Naija Ratels vs Nasarawa Amazons
– Confluence Queens vs Dannaz Ladies
– Abia Angels vs Adamawa Queens
– Heartland Queens vs Royal Queens
– Remo Stars Ladies vs Rivers Angels
– Ekiti Queens vs Delta Queens
– Sunshine Queens vs Bayelsa Queens
– Edo Queens vs Robo Queens
Ekiti Queens vs. Delta Queens was declared the Star Match of the opening day of the NWFL Premiership season, scheduled to take place at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium on Wednesday, 15 November, 2023.
The NWFL AGA emphasized the importance of maintaining high stadium standards. Only stadiums that meet the required NWFL stadium facilities criteria will be approved for the 2023/2024 Premiership season, ensuring players’ safety and match quality.
They commended various marketing and fundraising initiatives, including the newly launched Women Football Rising(c) campaign by the Nigeria Women’s League board, while expressing optimism for the success of these endeavors.
The Congress extended gratitude to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the entire board for their unwavering support, particularly following the successful campaign of the Super Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
