The battle for promotion to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership is set to intensify as the 2025 Championship enters Matchday Three on Wednesday, September 16, 2025.
With Sunshine Queens already sealing a swift return to the top flight, all eyes now shift to the other groups where several contenders, including Castmog Ladies, Ahudiyannem Queens, Imo Striker Queens, and Ghetto Tigers, are on the brink of history.
Fixtures across the Umuahia and Abiriba centres on Wednesday will determine the winners of Groups A1, A2, and B1, while Group B2, the only five-team pool, will extend until Sunday.
Group A1: Castmog in Control, First Mahi Still Alive
The spotlight in Group A1 is firmly on Castmog Ladies, who remain perfect with two wins from two games. The Ogun State outfit only need to avoid defeat against Gallant Queens to confirm their Premiership ticket.
Chasing them are First Mahi Babes, who revived their hopes with a hard-fought 1–0 win over Gallant Queens. They will take on Royal Queens, who are already out of the race with just a point. For First Mahi, nothing short of a big win — and a Castmog slip — will keep their dreams alive.
Destined leaders: Castmog Ladies.
Group A2: Sunshine Queens Already Home
Sunshine Queens have lived up to their pedigree, winning their first two matches to seal promotion with a game to spare. Their return to the Premiership at the first time of asking mirrors the feat achieved by Ibom Angels last season.
Their final fixture against Kwara Ladies is now academic, though Kwara will hope to sign off with a victory after opening with back-to-back draws.
Destined leaders: Sunshine Queens.
Group B1: Winner-Takes-All Between Ahudiyannem and Wazbak
This group offers one of the most dramatic storylines. Hosts Ahudiyannem Queens top the table with three points and need only a draw against Wazbak International to clinch promotion. Wazbak, meanwhile, sit just behind and must win outright to secure their spot in the Premiership.
At the bottom end, Pelican Stars and Chosen Generation Angels are locked in a consolation battle. A Pelican victory could lift them to second place, depending on the result of the top clash.
Destined leaders: Ahudiyannem Queens (with Wazbak needing an upset).
Group B2: Imo Striker Set the Pace, Ghetto Tigers in Pursuit
The only group with five teams, B2 still has plenty of twists left. Imo Striker Queens currently sit top with six points after two wins, including a 2–1 triumph over Osun Babes. They are in pole position to qualify if they maintain their momentum.
Hot on their heels are Ghetto Tigers, who produced a remarkable comeback against Delta Babes to sit second on four points. Their clash with Osun Babes could be decisive in keeping the pressure on the leaders.
Moje Queens remain in contention as well, but must win their tie against Delta Babes to stay alive. For Delta Babes, who are reeling from the tragic loss of head coach Gibbor Alfred Poto, pride is all that’s left to play for.
Destined leaders: Imo Striker Queens, with Ghetto Tigers as the dark horse.
The Bigger Picture
With Sunshine Queens already confirmed, the stage is set for three more clubs to join them in the NWFL Premiership. Castmog Ladies, Ahudiyannem Queens, and Imo Striker Queens look primed to finish as group winners, but late drama in Groups A1, B1, and B2 could still rewrite the script.
By the weekend, Nigeria’s top women’s football league will likely welcome a fresh wave of challengers, eager to test themselves against the country’s elite.