Rumbles in Imo as Another Club Relocates to Neighboring State

Posted : 08 June 2025

There is growing unease within Imo State’s football community following the relocation of Imo Striker Queens, a Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship side, to Awka, Anambra State.

The club, previously based in Owerri, has officially decamped from Imo and will now operate under the Anambra State Football Association, marking a significant shift in the women’s football landscape in the South East. The move is seen as part of a larger ambition to gain promotion to the NWFL Premiership and bring top-tier women's football to Anambra.

Imo Striker Queens’ departure comes amidst unresolved issues with the Imo Football Association, and makes them the second prominent female club to exit the state in recent times. Earlier this year, First Mahi Babes FC of Abajah also switched base to Ebonyi State, eventually winning the 2025 Ebonyi State FA Cup and representing the state up to the Round of 16 in the Women’s FA Cup, where they bowed out to Rivers Angels.

Speaking with InfoNews, the CEO/President of Imo Striker Queens, Prince Chidi, confirmed that all arrangements for the club’s switch had been finalized. He stated that the team will now prosecute their NWFL Championship campaign from Awka, with the aim of securing promotion and giving Anambra its first taste of top-flight women’s football.

While Chidi did not disclose the exact reasons behind the club’s relocation, sources indicate the decision was necessary for the club’s future growth and stability.

He also expressed appreciation to the Anambra State FA Chairman, Mr. Chikelue Iloenyosi, popularly known as “General,” for the warm reception and support, noting that the state’s football leadership is “delighted to welcome the club and has pledged full backing” ahead of the new season.

The back-to-back exits of top female teams from Imo have left many Imolites questioning the state of women’s football governance, with concerns mounting over the mass defection and lack of structural support for homegrown clubs.

As more eyes turn toward the upcoming NWFL Championship season, the larger question remains:
Why are clubs leaving Imo—and what can be done to reverse the trend?

Rumbles in Imo as Another Club Relocates to Neighboring State

There is growing unease within Imo State’s football community following the relocation of Imo Striker Queens, a Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship side, to Awka, Anambra State.

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