The NWFL has announced Aba, Abia State, as the host of the 2026 NWFL Nationwide Competition, with 12 clubs set to compete for promotion to the Championship, www.aclsports.com reports.
In a press release on Friday, the NWFL said the competition, which serves as the third tier of women’s football in Nigeria, will hold from 15 to 23 August, with the two finalists earning promotion to the 2027 NWFL Championship.
The 12 participating clubs have been drawn into four groups of three teams each ahead of the tournament next month.
Group A consists of Kwara United Queens FC, Solo Wonders Babes FC and Spunky Blazers FA, while Group B features hosts C2E Sports Academy, Bayelsa Princesses FC and Lakeside Queens FC.
Group C consists of Onimarg FC, Ubakala Babes FC and NAF Queens FC, while Group D features Plateau United Queens FC, Obosa Football Academy and Osklean FC.
Teams are expected to arrive in Aba on Saturday, 15 August, with a mandatory pre-match meeting scheduled for later that day before action gets underway on Sunday, 16 August.
The group stage will be played across three matchdays before the tournament moves into the semi-finals on 21 August. The winners of the semi-final fixtures will secure promotion to the Championship and advance to the final, which is scheduled for 23 August.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi described the Nationwide Competition as an important pathway for clubs seeking to progress through the ranks of women’s football in Nigeria.
“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.
“We are delighted to welcome the participating teams to Aba and expect a tournament that reflects the values of excellence, discipline and fair play. We urge all clubs to comply fully with the competition regulations while giving their best on the pitch.”
Shabi also expressed appreciation to the Abia State Government, the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders for their support towards hosting the tournament, adding that it would continue to showcase the growth of women’s football across the country.
