NWFL Congress approves structural changes to Premiership format

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Congress has approved significant adjustments to the structure and regulations of the NWFL Premiership, aimed at improving professionalism and competitiveness in the country’s top-flight women’s league.

Following a review of several standing motions, the Congress in Port Harcourt on Wednesday ratified the reduction of Premiership clubs from 20 to 16, effective from the 2026/2027 season.

As part of the transition, six teams will be relegated from the Premiership at the end of the 2025/2026 campaign, while two teams from the Championship will earn promotion to the top division.

In addition, two teams from the Championship will be relegated to the Nationwide League.

The reforms are part of ongoing efforts by the NWFL to strengthen league administration, enhance competition, and align with international best practices in women’s football.

The 2025/26 season will feature 20 teams, an expansion from the 16 teams of previous seasons.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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