Four teams have officially booked their spots in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) for the 2025–26 season, marking an exciting new chapter for women’s football in the country.

The promoted sides are Imo Striker Queens, Sunshine Queens, Castmog Ladies, and Ahudiyannem Queens.

At the just-concluded 2025 Championship, Imo Striker Queens and Sunshine Queens proved dominant, each collecting nine points from three matches to top their respective groups. Castmog Ladies and Ahudiyannem Queens followed suit, securing promotion with six and seven points respectively.

For Imo Striker Queens, Castmog Ladies, and Ahudiyannem Queens, this achievement marks their first-ever appearance in the NWFL, a historic milestone for their players, coaches, and fans. Sunshine Queens, on the other hand, will be staging a comeback to the top tier after their relegation in the 2023–24 season.

The NWFL board has yet to announce the official kick-off date for the 2025–26 campaign.

Opinion: A Fresh Wind for Women’s Football

The arrival of three debutant teams into the NWFL is more than just an expansion of numbers — it signals a new wave of energy, passion, and competition. Imo Striker Queens, Castmog Ladies, and Ahudiyannem Queens now have the golden chance to test themselves against Nigeria’s best, and their stories could inspire other aspiring clubs across the country.

Meanwhile, Sunshine Queens’ return is a reminder that relegation is not the end of the road, but sometimes a needed reset. Their comeback is proof of resilience, and fans will be eager to see if they can reclaim their place among the league’s established forces.

For women’s football in Nigeria, this development is a step forward. Every new team adds more color, more rivalries, and more opportunities for young girls to dream of playing at the highest level. What remains now is for the NWFL board to ensure proper scheduling, media coverage, and financial support to make the 2025–26 season one to remember.