The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has officially announced Wednesday, 15th January 2025, as the kick-off date for the highly anticipated 2024/2025 Premiership season.
In a landmark decision made at the Congress, the league will begin with a thrilling star match between defending champions Edo Queens and Abia Angels, set to take place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 2024 ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE NIGERIA WOMEN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
https://t.co/L5a6Me4Gao #NWFL25 #WomenFootballRising #NWFLAnnualGeneralAssembly24— NWFL (@TheNWFL) December 18, 2024
Two-Group Format Retained for 2024/2025 Season
The Congress confirmed that the two-group format will continue for the upcoming season, with the teams divided into Group A and Group B. The groups were determined through a seeding process, and they are as follows:
Group A:
- Edo Queens FC (Defending Champions)
- Abia Angels FC
- Ekiti Queens FC
- Heartland Queens
- Confluence Queens
- Remo Stars Ladies
- Nasarawa Amazons
- Dannaz Ladies FC
Group B:
- Rivers Angels FC
- Ibom Angels FC
- Adamawa Queens
- Naija Ratels FC
- Honey Badgers FC
- FC Robo Queens
- Bayelsa Queens FC
- Delta Queens FC
The draw also confirmed the promotion of Ibom Angels and Honey Badgers from the NWFL Championship to the Premiership, while Royal Queens and Sunshine Queens were relegated to the Championship.
Expansion and Structural Changes for Future Growth
In a significant move to foster growth within the league, the Congress unanimously agreed to increase the number of clubs in the Premiership from 16 to 20, effective from the 2025/2026 season. This decision aims to further expand the league, with necessary arrangements to ensure a successful take-off.
The Congress also resolved to retain the 20-club structure for the NWFL Championship. Moreover, the implementation of the States League as the 3rd tier of the NWFL will take effect starting from the 2024/2025 season, further expanding opportunities for teams at all levels.
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Board Committees to Support New Structure
The NWFL Congress aligned with the creation of several key Board Committees to assist in the implementation of the new three-tier structure of the league. These committees are as follows:
- Marketing and Communication Committee
- Premiership Super 6 Committee
- Championship Committee
- States League Committee
The committees will play an essential role in ensuring the smooth execution of the league’s expansion and the effective implementation of the new structures.
As the 2024/2025 season rapidly approaches, all eyes are on the exciting developments within the NWFL. The league’s expansion and structural reforms are expected to elevate the competition, providing more opportunities for players, teams, and fans alike.
