The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has officially conducted the draw for the 2025 NWFL Championship, confirming the road to promotion for 17 clubs set to compete in Abia State from September 11 to 21, 2025.
The competition, which serves as the gateway to the NWFL Premiership, will be hosted across Umuahia and Abiriba, with fixtures expected to deliver intense battles as four promotion slots are up for grabs — double the number available in the 2024 edition.
Unlike last year, when two clubs gained promotion, only the winners of each group in the 2025 edition will qualify automatically for the 2025/26 NWFL Premiership, leaving no margin for error.
To ensure competitive balance, Royal Queens, Sunshine Queens, Pelican Stars, and Osun Babes were seeded across the four groups based on their previous top-flight experience.
In Group A1, Royal Queens will face Gallant Queens, Castmog Ladies, and First Mahi Babes in Umuahia. Still in Umuahia, Group A2 brings together Sunshine Queens, Fortress Ladies, Unification FC, and Kwara Ladies in what promises to be another tightly contested pool.
Over in Abiriba, Group B1 sees Pelican Stars battle Ahudiyannem Queens, Wazbak International, and Chosen Generation Angels. Meanwhile, Group B2 features Osun Babes up against Ghetto Tigers, Moje Queens, Delta Babes, and Imo Striker Queens.
The 2024 hosts, Pelican Stars, who narrowly missed out on promotion last season, will be seeking redemption in Group B1. Similarly, Osun Babes, who also fell short last term, will face a tough test in Group B2 against four strong challengers.
With promotion at stake and rivalries renewed, the 2025 NWFL Championship promises to showcase the depth of talent and growing competitiveness in Nigerian women’s football.