Aba set for 2026 NWFL Nationwide showdown
Aba, the football heartbeat of Abia State, will play host to the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Nationwide Competition as 12 ambitious clubs vie for two coveted promotion spots to the 2027 NWFL Championship.
The third-tier women's league tournament will run from August 15 to 23, bringing together some of Nigeria's most promising grassroots teams in what promises to be nine days of intense competition and emerging talent.
According to a statement released on Friday by the NWFL Media Director, Samuel Ahmadu, only the two finalists will secure automatic promotion to the Championship division, raising the stakes for every fixture.
The participating clubs have been divided into four groups of three. Group A features Kwara United Queens, Solo Wonders Babes and Spunky Blazers FA, while hosts C2E Sports Academy headline Group B alongside Bayelsa Princesses and Lakeside Queens.
In Group C, Onimarg FC will square off against Ubakala Babes and NAF Queens, while Group D consists of Plateau United Queens, Obosa Football Academy and Osklean FC.
Activities will begin on Saturday, August 15, with the arrival of teams and a compulsory pre-match meeting before the tournament officially kicks off the following day with the opening round of group matches.
After the group stage concludes on August 19, the competition will move into the knockout rounds, with the semi-finals scheduled for August 21. Victory in the last four will not only guarantee a place in the final but also confirm promotion to the 2027 NWFL Championship. The new champions will then be crowned after the final on Sunday, August 23.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi described the Nationwide Competition as a crucial pathway for grassroots clubs seeking to climb the ranks of Nigerian women's football.
"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.
She expressed confidence that Aba would provide a fitting stage for another successful edition, while urging all participating clubs to uphold professionalism, discipline and fair play throughout the tournament.
Shabi also commended the Abia State Government, the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders for their support, noting that the championship will once again showcase the depth of talent and continued growth of women's football across Nigeria.
With promotion, silverware and pride all on the line, Aba is set to witness another thrilling chapter in the NWFL Nationwide as the race for Championship football begins.
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