The Women Football League Nigeria, officially known as the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), has witnessed remarkable growth and transformation in recent years. As of 2025, the league stands as a testament to the resilience and progress of women’s football in Nigeria, reflecting significant strides in organization, visibility, and competitiveness.
Historical Context and Structural Developments
Established in 1990, the Women Football League Nigeria has evolved from a modest beginning into a structured and competitive league. The 2024/2025 season marked the 35th edition of the league, commencing on January 15, 2025 . This season introduced a two-group format, with Group A and Group B each comprising eight teams.
In a significant move to foster growth, the NWFL announced plans to expand the number of clubs in the Premiership from 16 to 20 for the 2025/2026 season. This expansion aims to provide more opportunities for female footballers and enhance the league’s competitiveness.
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Media Coverage and Visibility
A landmark achievement for the Women Football League Nigeria was the historic television debut in the 2023/2024 season. For the first time in its 33-year history, the league secured live broadcast agreements with 19 channels, including Afrosport TV and the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) . This development significantly increased the league’s visibility and accessibility to fans nationwide.
Further strengthening its media presence, the NWFL reaffirmed its partnership with StarTimes ahead of the 2024/2025 season. This collaboration aimed to boost audience engagement and showcase the talent within the Women Football League Nigeria.
Financial Turnaround and Strategic Initiatives
The NWFL reported a financial turnaround during its 2024 Annual General Assembly, moving from a ₦15 million deficit to a ₦3 million surplus . This positive shift was attributed to strategic initiatives under the “Women Football Rising” agenda, which focused on operational improvements and attracting sponsorships.
The league also introduced the States League as the third tier, creating a three-tier structure to enhance talent development and provide a clear pathway for aspiring female footballers.
Competitive Highlights and Team Performances
The 2023/2024 season concluded with Edo Queens clinching their first NWFL title after finishing top of the Super Six table . The league witnessed a total of 129 matches, with 268 goals scored. Ijamilusi Folashade emerged as the top scorer with eight goals.
In the 2024/2025 season, the league saw the promotion of Ibom Angels and Benue Queens (formerly Honey Badgers) to the Premiership, replacing Royal Queens and Sunshine Queens, who were relegated . Notably, Robo Queens achieved the biggest home win with an 8–1 victory over Benue Queens on March 26, 2025.
Leadership and Governance
Under the leadership of Chairperson Nkechi Obi, the NWFL has focused on strategic planning and governance to drive the league’s growth. The establishment of specialized committees, including Marketing and Communication, Premiership Super 6, Championship, and States League Committees, has been instrumental in implementing the league’s expansion and structural reforms.
Conclusion
The Women Football League Nigeria has made significant strides in 2025, marked by structural expansions, increased media coverage, financial stability, and competitive excellence. These developments underscore the league’s commitment to elevating women’s football in Nigeria and providing a robust platform for female athletes to thrive.
