The Nigeria Women's Football League NWFL has embarked on a transformative journey to elevate women’s football in the country. With a renewed focus on visibility and sponsorship, the 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership kicks off on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, featuring a headline match between reigning champions Edo Queens and Abia Angels at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

This historic opener, scheduled for 6 PM, will be broadcast live on NTA Sports 24 and StarTimes. This marks a significant step in bringing women’s football to a broader audience. According to NWFL Chairperson Nkechi Obi, the league aims to inspire a new generation and attract the support necessary to elevate its profile.

As part of its innovative approach, the NWFL will feature weekly star matches on television and debut floodlight games to enhance the viewing experience. This bold strategy seeks to establish the league as a competitive and commercially viable entity, setting a new standard for women’s football across Africa.

Editorial

The NWFL’s ambitious plan to broadcast weekly star matches represents a groundbreaking shift for women’s football in Nigeria. By integrating live broadcasts and floodlit matches, the league is stepping into a new era of visibility, professionalism, and commercial viability.

For years, women’s football has struggled with a lack of exposure, limiting its growth potential. This initiative not only addresses this challenge but also creates an opportunity to attract sponsors, engage fans, and inspire young girls who dream of becoming professional athletes.

Nkechi Obi’s leadership is commendable, as it combines a clear vision with actionable steps to elevate the game. The involvement of platforms like NTA Sports 24 and StarTimes ensures that the incredible talent within the NWFL reaches living rooms nationwide, fostering pride in Nigeria’s footballing achievements.

However, for this vision to succeed, stakeholders must rally behind the NWFL’s efforts. Investments in infrastructure, coaching, and grassroots programs are essential to sustain the league's momentum. The 2024/2025 season has set the tone for what could become a golden age for Nigerian women’s football, and the journey has only just begun.

Did You Know?

1. The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was revamped in 2020, becoming one of Nigeria's most modern sports facilities.


2. NTA Sports 24 is the first Nigerian sports channel to broadcast both local and international events.


3. Floodlit matches were first introduced to Nigerian professional football in the 1990s but are still a rarity in women’s leagues.


4. Edo Queens are one of the oldest women’s football clubs in Nigeria, with a rich history of success.


5. The NWFL was officially established in 1990, making it one of Africa's pioneering women’s football leagues.