Nkechi Obi Steps Down as NWFL Chairperson After Landmark Tenure

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde 

Nkechi Obi has officially concluded her two-year tenure as Chairperson of the NWFL, marking a transformative era for women’s football in Nigeria. In a memo to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), she highlighted key milestones achieved under her leadership.

Key Achievements Under Her Leadership:

🔹 League Expansion

• Premiership League: Expanded from 14 to 20 teams.
• Championship League: Increased from 12 to 20 teams.
• Nationwide League: Restructured into a States League set to launch in August 2025, with 150+ teams from 30 states.

🔹 Broadcasting Breakthrough

• Super 6 Matches: First-ever live broadcasts in 2024 and 2025.
• Championship League: Matches were live-streamed, enhancing global reach.

🔹 Financial Turnaround

• From a ₦25M deficit (2023) to a ₦3M surplus (2024).
• Marked rise in private sponsorship, with the 2025 Super 6 funded by a private club.

🔹 Player Welfare

• Minimum wage increased from ₦30,000 to ₦80,000.
• Greater representation of NWFL players in national teams, contributing to international success.

Obi’s Legacy & Call to Action:

Obi emphasized the importance of sustaining momentum, urging the NFF to swiftly reconstitute the NWFL board to build on the foundation laid. Her tenure is widely regarded as a turning point for the women’s game in Nigeria—marked by expansion, visibility, and improved welfare standards.