Sixteen clubs have been placed into four groups for the 2026 NWFL Championship, a tournament running from July 9 to July 16 where promotion to the Nigeria Women Football League Premiership and relegation consequences are both on the line.
All four groups will be contested in a round-robin format. The top team in each group will move on to the semi-finals, while the two teams that reach the final will secure promotion to the Premiership. Meanwhile, the clubs that finish bottom in each group will take part in relegation playoffs, with the two sides that lose their matches dropping to the NWFL Nationwide League.
Group A includes Delta Babes, DreamStar Ladies, Rosaria Victrix FC and First Mahi Babes.
DreamStar Ladies are set to spearhead the group thanks to their experience, though Delta Babes and the other challengers are expected to bring tough competition in what looks likely to be a closely matched pool.
Pelican Stars, the former NWFL Premiership champions, are drawn in Group B alongside Gallant Queens, Ikukuoma and Moje Queens.
Pelican Stars start as the clear favourites, but Gallant Queens’ determination, plus the drive of Ikukuoma and Moje Queens, should ensure a fiercely competitive group.
Group C features Rangers Women FC, Fortress Ladies FC, Wazbak International Sports Academy and Unification FC.
Rangers Women will be looking to make an instant impression as championship newcomers, while Fortress Ladies’ defensive strength and the youthful energy from Wazbak and Unification are expected to set up an engaging contest.
Imo Striker Queens, Kwara Ladies, Chosen Generation Angels FC and Ghetto Tigers make up Group D.
