The 2024/25 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) season has kicked off, amidst a palpable wave of excitement generated by the high-profile player acquisitions of several teams, notably seven-time champions Rivers Angels and Remo Stars Ladies. This pre-season buzz surrounding new signings has amplified the anticipation for a thrilling season, marking a notable shift in the league’s dynamics. The focus on individual players and their stories, coupled with increased media attention, suggests a growing professionalization and public interest in women’s football in Nigeria.
Rivers Angels have bolstered their squad with 14 new players, including national U-17 team captain, Taiwo Afolabi, who made a significant move from Delta Queens. However, the signing that truly captured public attention is goalkeeper Fatima Oloko, formerly of Adamawa Queens. Oloko’s striking appearance and confident demeanor have made her a social media sensation, further fueling the excitement surrounding the league’s commencement. Her self-assured statements about her passion for goalkeeping and determination to perform at the highest level have resonated with fans and added to the intrigue surrounding her debut with Rivers Angels.
Remo Stars Ladies have also generated significant buzz with the signing of Subomi Ogundele, a student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Ogundele’s decision to pursue professional football while maintaining her academic pursuits has sparked a conversation about the possibility of combining education and sports at a high level in Nigeria. Her previous successes in university-level competitions, including being named MVP and highest goal scorer at the NUGA games, have further solidified her status as a rising star, making her professional debut in the NWFL a highly anticipated event. This unique storyline adds another dimension to the league’s narrative, highlighting the potential for female athletes to excel in both academics and sports.
The opening week of the NWFL features a compelling slate of matches across two groups. The marquee matchup sees reigning champions Edo Queens hosting Abia Angels in a game broadcast live on NTA Sports 24. This high-profile clash sets the stage for a season of intense competition and underscores the growing media coverage of women’s football in Nigeria. Other notable fixtures include Remo Stars Ladies’ season opener against Confluence Queens, Nasarawa Amazons facing Dannaz Ladies, and a clash between Ekiti Queens and Heartland Queens.
Group B presents equally intriguing contests. A highly anticipated match-up features former champions Bayelsa Queens against Delta Queens, promising a fierce battle between two established powerhouses. Newly renamed Benue Queens (formerly Honey Badgers) will host FC Robo, while Adamawa Queens and Naija Ratels face off in another intriguing encounter. Rivers Angels’ home game against Ibom Angels rounds out the Group B fixtures, with all eyes on the team’s new signings and their potential impact on the field. The diverse array of matches and the competitive balance within the groups suggest a potentially unpredictable and exciting season.
The 2024/25 NWFL season promises to be a landmark year for women’s football in Nigeria. The increased media attention, coupled with the compelling narratives surrounding individual players, has elevated the league’s profile and generated significant public interest. The focus on star signings like Fatima Oloko and Subomi Ogundele not only underscores the growing talent pool within the league but also highlights the evolving landscape of women’s sports in Nigeria. The opening week fixtures, featuring a mix of established powerhouses and rising contenders, set the stage for a season of thrilling competition and further development of the women’s game in the country. The combination of on-field action and off-field storylines promises a captivating season that could further propel women’s football in Nigeria to new heights.
