Stephen Dunmoye
Ekiti Queens Football Club have officially been promoted to the Nigeria Women’s Football League.
The confirmation came at the NWFL Annual General Assembly held in Lagos on Thursday, September 5, 2023.
The club celebrated the laudable achievement in a release titled “It’s now official” and signed by the club’s media officer, Alabi Tolulope Michael.
The release read, “Written off by all those who ‘knew better’ Ekiti Queens FC had a season that is the greatest underdog story since the Biblical David smacked Goliath in the head with that pebble.
“At the beginning of the championship last season, which is also our first taste of the second tier of female club football in Nigeria, the Baoress Babes were 5,000-1 underdogs to survive the NWFL championship threat.
“The two-year-old state female football club defied all of the odds, defeated two former Premiership teams, and ended the Championship season as Group A runners-up with 10 points out of a possible 15 points.
“Ladies and gentlemen, if you don’t know, now you do. Ekiti Queens FC are now a Nigeria Women’s Football League club.
Going into the Annual General Assembly, NWFL’s core strategy is firmly rooted in robust stakeholder engagement. The focus is on expanding the women’s football ecosystem, a holistic approach that encompasses state football associations, clubs, players, ex-players, NWFL ambassadors, coaches, fans, agents, corporate Nigeria, commercial partners, policymakers, and more.
This year’s AGA revolves around the theme of “Women’s Football Rising.” Coincidentally, it also marks the unveiling of a new platform, Women’s Football Rising©, which embodies NWFL’s vision, grassroots women’s football commitment, and future aspirations.
Women’s Football Rising serves as a monumental platform championing the multifaceted essence of women’s football. It’s a rallying point for empowerment, unity, and transformation of women’s football in Nigeria. Under this platform, NWFL will launch exciting initiatives including the He4She Campaign, Sisterhood Campaign, and Football and The Girl Child Initiative.
These efforts will be powered by extensive stakeholder
engagement, which lies at the heart of NWFL’s mission. The engagements will be primarily events-driven, and intended to expand the women’s football ecosystem.
As stated by Nkechi Obi, Chairman of NWFL, “Empowering strong clubs is the cornerstone of NWFL’s mission, as they are the driving force behind women’s football development, fostering talent, promoting inclusivity, and shaping the future of the game.”
Obi emphasized, “Investing in women’s football isn’t just a
commitment; it’s a catalyst for transforming the entire landscape of the sport, driving inclusivity, equality, and unlocking the true potential of women football in Nigeria.”
Modupe Shabi, the COO of the league, noted that “NWFL stands as the cornerstone of opportunity for talented female players in Nigeria, offering a dedicated platform for them to flourish and chase their footballing dreams with passion and purpose.”
NWFL is strategically leveraging FIFA’s women’s football development workplan to increase female participation in football, enhance clubs’ commercial value, optimize existing competitions, and build a culture of good footballer conduct and club governance.
The league’s ultimate goal is to deliver a strong women’s football league that is competitive and well governed, ensuring that women’s football in Nigeria continues to rise to new heights.
