DreamStar Ladies, Pelican Stars, Rangers Women, Imo Striker Queens Advance to NWFL Championship Promotion Playoffs
Thirteen goals across six matches decided the four group winners on a dramatic final matchday in Calabar, with only the promotion playoffs now standing between them and the NWFL Premiership.
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The group stage of the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League Championship came to a thrilling conclusion in Calabar on Matchday Three, with DreamStar Ladies, Pelican Stars, Rangers Women FC, and Imo Striker Queens booking their places in the promotion playoffs.
The final round of fixtures produced 13 goals across six matches as teams battled for the coveted playoff tickets, with only the group winners progressing in each case.
In Group A, DreamStar Ladies held Delta Babes to a goalless draw, a result that proved enough to secure top spot and qualification. Elsewhere in the group, Rosaria Victrix ended their campaign on a high with a 3-1 win over First Mahi Babes, built on a brace from Egodi Okonkwo and a further goal from Kafilat Agboola.
Group B winners Pelican Stars sealed their spot with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Moje Queens, courtesy of a first half goal from Peace Ewa. Ikukuoma Queens also finished their campaign strongly, beating Gallant Queens 3-1 through goals from Janet Kaneng, Precious Odogu, and Favour Nicholas.
The biggest surprise of the day came in Group C, where Unification FC produced a stunning 5-1 win over Wazbak Int’l Sports Academy. Despite the impressive scoreline, Unification narrowly missed out on qualification, as Rangers Women FC claimed the group’s sole playoff ticket with a 1-0 win over Fortress Ladies, sealed by a late winner from Chisom Chukwuemeka.
In Group D, Imo Striker Queens had already secured qualification before the final round, completing an impressive group stage campaign that positions them among the favourites for promotion.
Confirmed Promotion Playoff Teams
Group A Winners: DreamStar Ladies
Group B Winners: Pelican Stars
Group C Winners: Rangers Women FC
Group D Winners: Imo Striker Queens
Did You Know?
- Only the four group winners from the NWFL Championship group stage advance to the promotion playoffs.
- The final round of group matches produced 13 goals across six fixtures.
- Unification FC won 5-1 in Group C but still missed out on qualification due to Rangers Women FC’s results.
- Imo Striker Queens had already secured their playoff spot before the final round of matches was played.
- The promotion playoffs will decide which clubs earn places in the 2026/27 NWFL Premiership.
- All group stage matches in this round were played in Calabar, Cross River State.
- The NWFL Championship is the second tier of Nigeria’s women’s football pyramid.
