2026 Soccer Queens Awards goes to Lagos in October
Four years of celebrating excellence in women’s football as rising stars prepare to meet NWFL stars in Lagos
The prestigious Soccer Queens Awards is heading to Lagos for the first time, with the 2026 edition scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in what promises to be a significant celebration of women’s football and the future of the game.
After three consecutive editions held in Benin City in 2023, 2024 and 2025, the Soccer Queens Awards is taking its celebration of excellence to Lagos for the 2026 edition.
The event will also be held alongside activities marking the International Day of the Girl Child 2026, creating a unique platform to combine the celebration of accomplished women footballers with the empowerment and inspiration of the next generation.
The Soccer Queens Awards was established to recognise and celebrate exceptional women footballers, coaches and other key contributors who continue to raise the standard and profile of women’s football in Nigeria.
Over the years, the awards have honoured outstanding performers across the NWFL Premiership, NWFL Championship and NWFL Nationwide League, recognising excellence in goalscoring, goalkeeping, defending, midfield play, leadership, coaching and overall impact.
A Legacy of Celebrating Excellence
The journey began with the Soccer Queens Awards 2023, where some of the leading names in Nigerian women’s football were recognised.
In the NWFL Premiership, Chinaza Agoh won the MVP award, while Mercy Omokwo was recognised with the Golden Boot. Andeline Mgbechi, Sabastine Flourish and Esther Ogbonna Akudo were honoured as Best Goalkeeper, Best Midfielder and Best Defender respectively, while Tosan Blankson was named Coach of the Season.
In the NWFL Championship, Dorathy Eshiet emerged as MVP and Highest Goalscorer, with Lucky Andy winning Best Goalkeeper and Diana Asak-Johnson taking Coach of the Season.
The Nationwide category also produced winners including Marvelous Akpobaro, Victoria Collins, Hope Agoye and Jimmy Aimuagbonrie.
The 2024 edition continued the tradition, with Emem Essien taking the Premiership MVP award and Folashade Ijamilusi winning the Highest Goalscorer award.
Sylvia Echefu, Suliyat Abideen, Alexander Florence and Moses Aduku were also recognised as Best Goalkeeper, Best Midfielder, Best Defender and Coach of the Season respectively.
In the Championship, Ijeoma Onweagba won MVP, while Harmony Chidi and Kafayat Bashiru shared the Highest Goalscorer award. Stella Okereke was named Best Goalkeeper, while Edwin Okon was honoured as Coach of the Season.
The 2025 edition introduced a distinctive set of titles that further reflected the character and impact of the award recipients.
Among those recognised were Janet Akekororowei — The Game Changer; Bolaji Olamide — The Goal Machine; Monle Omini — The Wall; Mafisere Kafayat — The Maestro; Blessing Abiola — The Rock; and Christopher Danjuma — The Tactician in the Premiership category.
The Championship honours included Oparanmegwa Pattra — The Star and The Prolific Striker; Etim Bright — The Guardian; and Nelly Orisakwe — The Mastermind.
In the Nationwide category, Akanji Kaosarat — The Phenom; Jessica Obinna — The Deadly Finisher; Ubani Gift — The Hero; and Ijeomah Solomon Chinedu — The Architect were celebrated.
New Crowns for the 2026 Edition
The 2026 edition promises another exciting chapter, with a new set of prestigious award titles designed to celebrate the outstanding performers of the season.
NWFL PREMIERSHIP
👑 The Queen’s Crown Award
⚽ The Royal Finisher Award
🧤 The Queen’s Fortress Award
🎯 The Royal Conductor Award
🛡️ The Queen’s Shield Award
🧠 The Royal Strategist Award
NWFL CHAMPIONSHIP
👑 The Rising Crown Award
⚽ The Apex Finisher Award
🧤 The Iron Gate Award
🧠 The Promotion Master Award
NWFL NATIONWIDE
👑 The Future Crown Award
⚽ The Goal Throne Award
🧤 The Guardian Crown Award
🧠 The Builder’s Crown Award
According to the organisers, the awards are not only about celebrating those who have already achieved success, but also about creating pathways for the future of women’s football.
Bridging the Gap Between NWFL Stars and Future Queens
One of the major highlights of the 2026 edition will be the opportunity for up-and-coming female footballers and students to interact directly with established NWFL stars.
The organisers believe that bringing young aspiring players into the same environment as some of Nigeria’s leading female footballers will provide them with inspiration, mentorship and a clearer understanding of what is possible through dedication and commitment to the sport.
For many of these young players, meeting the women they currently watch and admire on the football pitch could become a defining moment in their own football journeys.
The initiative is particularly significant as the awards coincide with the celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, reinforcing the message that girls should be encouraged, supported and given opportunities to pursue their dreams — including careers in professional football.
From Benin to Lagos
The relocation to Lagos marks a new phase for the Soccer Queens Awards.
After establishing its identity in Benin City through the 2023, 2024 and 2025 editions, the move to Lagos is expected to broaden the reach of the awards and bring together more stakeholders from the Nigerian football community.
Players, coaches, administrators, football advocates, young talents, sponsors and supporters of women’s football are expected to be part of the 2026 celebration.
The Soccer Queens Awards 2026 is therefore more than an awards ceremony.
It is a celebration of the women who have excelled, a recognition of those building the game, and an investment in the girls who will become the Soccer Queens of tomorrow.
SOCCER QUEENS AWARDS 2026
📅 Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
📍 Location: Lagos
👑 Theme: Celebrating Excellence in Women’s Football
From Benin to Lagos, the journey continues.
The Queens are coming. The next generation is watching. And the future of women’s football is waiting.
Soccer Queens Awards 2026 — Celebrating Excellence. Recognising Impact. Inspiring the Future.
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