The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has confirmed the reinstatement of the NWFL Nationwide for the 2025 season, marking its return to the league calendar for the first time since 2023.
The Nationwide, which serves as the third tier of women’s football in Nigeria, was last held two years ago before it was scrapped in 2024 and temporarily replaced by the now-suspended States League.
Announcing the development on Tuesday, NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi, attributed the revival of the competition to the recommendations and approval of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership.
“The reinstatement of the NWFL Nationwide is a significant step towards strengthening the women’s football pyramid in Nigeria, hugely thanks to President Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board,” Shabi said.
“As the third tier, it plays a vital role in discovering and nurturing talent, giving more grassroots clubs and players the opportunity to compete, grow, and aspire to higher levels of the game.”
Shabi also urged all interested clubs across the country to ensure their participation by submitting their registration entries to operations@thenwfl.com within the specified period.
Registration officially opens on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, and will close on September 26, 2025. The league has emphasized that late entries will not be entertained under any circumstances.
The 2025 NWFL Nationwide is scheduled to run from October 3 to October 12, with the host venue to be announced in the coming weeks.
The return of the Nationwide is seen as a major boost for grassroots women’s football and a renewed opportunity for aspiring clubs to enter the national league structure.
The NWFL Media Department, through its Director Samuel Ahmadu, reaffirmed the league’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women in football and strengthening the foundation of the sport across all tiers.
