NWFL Championship: Promotion race heats up as DreamStar, Pelican Stars, Rangers, Imo Striker, Ghetto Tigers shine

Posted : 14 July 2026

The race for places in the promotion playoffs of the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship gathered momentum on Monday as several title contenders strengthened their credentials with impressive Matchday Two victories in Calabar.

With only the winners of the four groups guaranteed places in the promotion playoffs, the competition intensified at the U.J. Esuene Stadium and Saint Patrick College Stadium, where unbeaten sides continued to separate themselves from the chasing pack.

DreamStar Ladies maintained their perfect start in Group A with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over First Mahi Babes to remain in command of the group.

Mirabel Iraboh and Khadijat Kamarudeen scored for the Lagos side before Anastasia Bem pulled one back for First Mahi Babes, but DreamStar Ladies held firm to secure a second consecutive victory.

In the group's other fixture, Rosaria Victrix recovered from their opening-day setback by defeating Delta Babes 2-0 to record their first-ever win in the Championship.

Olaide Osundina opened the scoring before Egodi Okonkwo added the second after the interval to hand the newcomers maximum points.

Hosts Pelican Stars also sustained their winning momentum in Group B with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Gallant Queens.

Ogochukwu Onu gave the Calabar club the lead before Deborah Oyebowale's own goal doubled the advantage and kept Pelican Stars firmly on course for the promotion playoffs.

Moje Queens equally revived their hopes with a slim 1-0 victory over Ikukuoma Queens, thanks to Kehinde Adebanjo's decisive second-half strike.

Group C produced one of the day's most entertaining contests as Rangers Women FC came from behind to defeat Wazbak International Sports Academy 2-1 and move to the top of the standings.

Blessing Akan had put Rangers Women FC ahead before Ayomide Taiwo restored parity for Wazbak International Sports Academy with a well-struck direct free-kick early in the second half.

However, with the club's Chief Executive Officer, Amobi Ezeaku, watching from the stands, Chisom Chukwuemeka converted a late penalty to hand Rangers Women FC maximum points.

The other Group C fixture ended goalless as Unification FC and Fortress Ladies shared the spoils, leaving Unification FC with consecutive draws.

In Group D, Ghetto Tigers continued their flawless campaign by defeating Chosen Generation Angels 2-0 in a keenly contested South-West derby.

Second-half strikes from Aishat Bolarinwa and Rofiat Ewetade ensured the Lagos side recorded back-to-back victories to remain firmly in contention for promotion.

Imo Striker Queens were equally impressive, cruising to a comprehensive 3-0 win over Kwara Ladies through goals from Mmesoma Amaechi, Chiamaka Onyeizu, and Mary Akpan.

The victory preserved Imo Striker Queens' 100 per cent record and kept them at the summit of Group D.

With one round of group matches remaining, DreamStar Ladies, Pelican Stars, Rangers Women FC, Imo Striker Queens, and Ghetto Tigers have emerged as the teams to beat, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the group phase.

The final group fixtures will determine the four teams that advance to the promotion playoffs, while the bottom-placed teams in each group will battle for survival in Thursday's relegation playoffs.

The decisive final round promises high-stakes action, with promotion hopes and Championship survival still hanging in the balance for several clubs across the four groups.

NWFL Championship: Promotion race heats up as DreamStar, Pelican Stars, Rangers, Imo Striker, Ghetto Tigers shine

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