Fortress Ladies, Unification FC Target NWFL Premiership Promotion in Calabar

Posted : 10 July 2026

As the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship kicks off in Calabar, participating clubs have declared their readiness to battle for the two available promotion spots to the 2026/2027 NWFL Premiership.

Sixteen clubs will compete in the championship, with only the two finalists earning promotion to Nigeria's top-flight women's football league.

Among the contenders, Fortress Ladies, Unification FC, and Ghetto Tigers Ladies have expressed confidence in their preparations and belief that they can secure a place in the elite division.

Head Coach of Fortress Ladies, Jimmy Aimuagbonrie, said the club was determined to finally achieve promotion after coming close in previous campaigns.

"Our target this year is promotion. We finished third two years ago and second last year, so we believe this is the right time to achieve our objective," he said.

Aimuagbonrie noted that the club would continue to invest in youthful players, describing youth development as the foundation of the team's philosophy.

He added that lessons learnt from previous appearances had strengthened the squad ahead of this year's championship.

"We respect every team in our group, but we believe this is our opportunity to gain promotion to the premiership," he said.

Captain of Unification FC, Success Odey, said the team's ambition was not only to gain promotion but also to provide a platform for players to showcase their abilities.

"Our major target is to secure promotion to the premiership and give our players the opportunity to display their abilities.

"We know the quality of the teams in our group, but we are confident in our preparation and will approach every match with the right mentality.

"Our goal is to secure maximum points and qualify for the promotion playoffs," she said.

Odey added that the club's recent recruitment exercise had improved the quality of the squad, although she acknowledged there was still room for improvement.

Captain of Ghetto Tigers Ladies, Ruth Origbo, also expressed optimism about her side's chances.

"We respect all our opponents, but we fear none of them. If we remain disciplined and take our chances, we have what it takes to secure promotion," she said.

Origbo said participation in the Lagos State FA Cup and the President Federation Cup had provided the team with valuable competitive experience ahead of the tournament.

Team Manager Azeez Mustapha said the youthful squad had matured over the last two seasons and was now better equipped to challenge for promotion.

"We believe we now have a balanced squad capable of achieving promotion.

"Our players have developed, and we are determined to secure a place in the premiership," he said.

The 16 participating clubs are divided into four groups of four, with each group winner progressing to the semi-finals.

Group A comprises Delta Babes, DreamStar Ladies, Rosaria Victrix FC, and First Mahi Babes.

Group B features Pelican Stars, Gallant Queens, Ikukuoma FC, and Moje Queens, while Group C includes Rangers Women, Fortress Ladies, Wazbak International Sports Academy, and Unification FC.

Group D consists of Imo Strikers Queens, Kwara Ladies, Chosen Generation Angels, and Ghetto Tigers Ladies.

The competition is expected to produce intense contests as clubs vie for a place in the 2026/2027 NWFL Premiership.

With promotion at stake, the championship promises fierce competition as the participating teams seek to earn a place among Nigeria's elite women's football clubs for next season.

Fortress Ladies, Unification FC Target NWFL Premiership Promotion in Calabar

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