All the happenings from the Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL)
The Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership witnessed a season filled with intense competition and pivotal outcomes as Ekiti Queens narrowly avoided relegation while Sunshine Queens faced the harsh reality of demotion.
Both Ekiti Queens and Sunshine Queens entered the NWFL Premiership as boardroom entrants, benefiting from the league’s expansion from 14 to 16 teams. Despite their initial unmerited promotion, these teams encountered significant challenges throughout the season, leading to a fierce battle at the bottom of Group B.
With the NWFL’s single relegation rule per group, only one team could face demotion. Ekiti Queens, with a slightly better record of 4 wins, 2 draws, and 8 losses, narrowly survived relegation by a single point compared to Sunshine Queens’ record of 4 wins, 1 draw, and 9 losses.
Sunshine Queens FC, finishing with the lowest points in Group B (13), were relegated to the NWFL Championship, marking their return to the second tier of women’s football in Nigeria.
The fight for survival continued in Group A, where Royal Queens suffered relegation to the Championship after a 0-0 draw with Adamawa Queens. Meanwhile, Naija Ratels secured their spot in the NWFL Premiership Super 6 with a convincing 3-0 victory over Abia Angels.
Looking ahead, the qualified teams for the upcoming NWFL Premiership Super 6 include Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, Confluence Queens, and Heartland Queens. These teams will compete in the Super 6 tournament, showcasing the best of women’s football in Nigeria.