By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) will stage the 2026 NWFL Championship in Calabar, Cross River State, from July 9, as 16 clubs battle for promotion to the elite NWFL Premiership.
Second-tier competition will return to Calabar two years after the city successfully hosted the tournament in 2024, reinforcing its growing reputation as a key destination for women’s football development in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the league’s spokesperson, Samuel Ahmadu, the NWFL says the championship would feature 16 clubs competing for two promotion slots in what is expected to be a highly competitive tournament.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, said participating teams are expected to arrive in Calabar on July 9 ahead of the commencement of activities.
She disclosed that the official draw for the competition will take place on June 29 to determine the four groups, with further details to be communicated to participating clubs.
The championship will begin with a pre-match meeting on July 10, while competitive fixtures will commence on July 11 with eight opening-day matches scheduled across two venues.
Matchday Two will hold on July 13 after a rest day, while the group stage will conclude on July 14. Following another rest day on July 15, the decisive play-off matches will be played on July 16 to determine the final standings.
The championship carries significant implications for participating clubs, as only the two best-performing teams will gain promotion to the NWFL Premiership, while the three lowest-ranked sides will drop to the NWFL Nationwide division.
The league has directed all participating clubs to comply strictly with competition regulations, schedules and operational guidelines as preparations intensify for the tournament.
2026 NWFL Championship is expected to further boost women’s football development and strengthen the pathway for clubs seeking promotion to Nigeria’s top-flight women’s league.
