Aba to Host 2026 NWFL Nationwide as 12 Clubs Battle for Championship Promotion

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has confirmed Aba, Abia State, as the host city for the 2026 NWFL Nationwide Competition, with 12 clubs set to compete for promotion to the 2027 NWFL Championship.

The third-tier women’s league tournament will run from August 15 to 23, 2026, and the two finalists will secure automatic promotion to the country’s second-tier women’s league.

According to a statement issued on Friday by NWFL Media Director Samuel Ahmadu, the qualified teams have been drawn into four groups of three.

Group A comprises Kwara United Queens FC, Solo Wonders Babes FC and Spunky Blazers FA, while hosts C2E Sports Academy headline Group B alongside Bayelsa Princesses FC and Lakeside Queens FC.

Group C features Onimarg FC, Ubakala Babes FC and NAF Queens FC, with Plateau United Queens FC, Obosa Football Academy and Osklean FC making up Group D.

The competition will officially begin on Saturday, August 15, with the arrival of participating teams and a mandatory pre-match meeting scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Group stage matches kick off on Sunday, August 16, followed by a rest day on Monday.

The second and third rounds of group fixtures will be played on August 18 and 19 respectively before another rest day on August 20. The semi-finals are scheduled for Friday, August 21, with the winners earning automatic promotion to the 2027 NWFL Championship.

Following a final rest day on August 22, the tournament will conclude with the championship final on Sunday, August 23, where the new champions will be crowned.

NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi described the Nationwide Competition as a crucial pathway for grassroots clubs seeking to advance within Nigeria’s women’s football structure.

“The NWFL Nationwide is an important component of our league structure because it provides ambitious grassroots clubs with a clear pathway to higher levels of competition,” Shabi said.

“We are delighted to welcome the participating teams to Aba and expect a tournament that reflects the values of excellence, discipline and fair play. We urge all clubs to comply fully with the competition regulations while giving their best on the pitch. We are confident that the championship will further showcase the immense talent and continued growth of women’s football across Nigeria.”

Shabi also commended the Abia State Government, the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders for their support in hosting the tournament. She expressed confidence that Aba would provide a fitting stage for another successful edition while urging participating clubs to uphold professionalism and fair play throughout the competition.

Groups

Group A: Kwara United Queens FC, Solo Wonders Babes FC, Spunky Blazers FA

Group B: C2E Sports Academy, Bayelsa Princesses FC, Lakeside Queens FC

Group C: Onimarg FC, Ubakala Babes FC, NAF Queens FC

Group D: Plateau United Queens FC, Obosa Football Academy, Osklean FC

Tournament Schedule

August 15: Arrival of teams and pre-match meeting (6:00 p.m.)
August 16: Group stage – Matchday One
August 17: Rest day
August 18: Group stage – Matchday Two
August 19: Group stage – Matchday Three
August 20: Rest day
August 21: Semi-finals
August 22: Rest day
August 23: Final