By Andrew Abah, Abuja
The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) concluded its Annual General Assembly (AGA) on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in Abuja with significant decisions aimed at advancing women’s football in Nigeria.
The meeting, hosted under the leadership of the NWFL Board, was marked by critical resolutions, including structural adjustments, financial approvals, and strategic initiatives for league expansion and development.
The Congress expressed gratitude to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the entire board for their consistent support and strategic leadership in fostering growth within the NWFL. Special recognition was given to Dr. (Barr.) Paul Edeh, Chairman of the Benue State Football Association, for his exceptional hospitality and contributions to hosting the event.
The Assembly adopted the financial report for the 2023/2024 season and approved the proposed budget for the 2024/2025 season. This included the endorsement of the 2023/2024 Premiership and Championship tables as presented by the NWFL Secretariat.
The Congress confirmed the promotion of Ibom Angels and Honey Badgers to the NWFL Premiership, while Royal Queens and Sunshine Queens were relegated to the Championship.
- The Congress approved an increase in the number of clubs in the NWFL Premiership from 16 to 20, effective from the 2025/2026 season.
- The Championship structure will retain its 20-club format.
- The long-awaited States League will commence as the third tier of the NWFL from the 2024/2025 season.
To facilitate the expansion, several committees were instituted, including:
- Marketing and Communication Committee
- Premiership Super 6 Committee
- Championship Committee
- States League Committee
The Congress resolved to maintain the two-group league format for the 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership season. The group draws, conducted through seeding, resulted in the following alignments:
- Group A: Edo Queens, Abia Angels, Ekiti Queens, Heartland Queens, Confluence Queens, Remo Stars Ladies, Nasarawa Amazons, Dannaz Ladies
- Group B: Rivers Angels, Ibom Angels, Adamawa Queens, Naija Ratels, Honey Badgers, FC Robo Queens, Bayelsa Queens, Delta Queens
The 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership season will commence on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, with a Star Match between defending champions Edo Queens and Abia Angels at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
The Congress applauded the NWFL Board for reversing a financial deficit of over ₦15 million to a surplus of ₦3 million within the 2023/2024 season. The Assembly also approved the external auditor’s financial report and praised the Secretariat for its efficient management.
A unanimous vote of confidence was passed on the NWFL Board, led by Chairperson Nkechi Obi, for its efforts in transforming women’s football in Nigeria, particularly through strategic marketing and operational stability under the Women Football Rising agenda.
The resolutions from the 2024 NWFL AGM mark a pivotal step in advancing women’s football in Nigeria. With clear structural goals, expanded opportunities, and a robust financial foundation, the NWFL is poised to drive sustainable growth in women’s football while enhancing career pathways for female athletes across the
