League Expansion Dispute: NWFL Championship Forum Petitions National Sports Commission
The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) finds itself embroiled in controversy following its Annual General Assembly (AGA) held on December 17, 2024, in Abuja. The AGA, which should have marked another milestone for women’s football, has instead become a focal point of tension due to allegations of democratic violations by the NWFL Board, led by Chairperson Nkechi Obi.
At the heart of the matter is the proposed expansion of the NWFL Premiership from 16 to 20 teams, a move supported by a clear majority of the 35 delegates present. According to a petition submitted to the National Sports Commission by the NWFL Championship Forum, 22 delegates voted in favor of the expansion, and 16 backed its immediate implementation in the 2024/2025 season. Despite this, the NWFL Board allegedly overruled these decisions, opting instead for a controversial draw and delaying the implementation of the expansion.
In addition, the congress supported maintaining the NWFL Championship structure with 20 teams and no relegations for the upcoming season due to the absence of a third-tier league. These recommendations were also reportedly dismissed, prompting widespread discontent among stakeholders.
Forum Appeals for Intervention
The petition, signed by Forum Chairman Jimoh Daudu and Vice Chairman Aminu K. Shuaibu, calls on the National Sports Commission to intervene. It demands that the NWFL Board respect the AGA’s democratic outcomes, admit Osun Babes, Sunshine Queens, Royal Queens, and Pelican Stars into the Premiership, and maintain the Championship’s current structure.
“This blatant disregard for democratic decisions undermines the growth and inclusivity of women’s football,” the petition reads. “We urge the Commission to take decisive steps to rectify these irregularities for the sake of progress,” the petition reads.
Full petition below
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