The NWFL has confirmed that the Nationwide League will return in 2025, after it was scrapped in 2024 and replaced by the now-suspended States League, www.aclsports.com reports.
The third tier of women’s football in Nigeria was last played in 2023 but is now back on the calendar following approval from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) under the leadership of President Ibrahim Gusau.
Announcing the development on Tuesday, NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi described the decision as vital for the structure and growth of the game.
“This return is important for the structure and sustainability of our league system,” Shabi said. “It provides a pathway for grassroots teams to progress and nurtures the next generation of players for the upper tiers.”
Registration for the 2025 edition opens on Tuesday, August 19, and will close on Friday, September 26. The NWFL has directed interested clubs to send in their applications through the league’s official operations channel, stressing that late entries will not be accepted.
The competition will run from October 3 to 12, 2025, with details of the host city and venue to be announced in due course.
The revival of the Nationwide League is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s women’s football pyramid, offering grassroots clubs across the country the opportunity to compete in a structured and competitive environment, while also providing a talent pipeline for the NWFL Championship and Premiership.
