The group stage of the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) 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.
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Sports247 reports that 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 Group A, DreamStar Ladies held Delta Babes to a goalless draw, a result that proved enough to secure top spot and qualification for the playoffs. Elsewhere, Rosaria Victrix ended their campaign on a high with an emphatic 3-1 victory over First Mahi Babes, inspired by a brace from Egodi Okonkwo and another strike from Kafilat Agboola.
Group B winners Pelican Stars sealed qualification with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Moje Queens, courtesy of Peace Ewa’s first-half goal. Ikukuoma Queens also finished their campaign in style, defeating Gallant Queens 3-1 with 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 victory over Wazbak Int’l Sports Academy. Despite the impressive win, Unification narrowly missed out on qualification as Rangers Women FC secured the group’s sole playoff ticket with a crucial 1-0 victory over Fortress Ladies, thanks to Chisom Chukwuemeka’s late winner.
In Group D, Imo Striker Queens had already wrapped up qualification before the final round, completing an impressive group-stage campaign to emerge as one of the favourites for promotion.
With the group phase now concluded, the four teams that will battle for promotion to the NWFL Premiership are:
DreamStar Ladies – Group A Winners
Pelican Stars – Group B Winners
Rangers Women FC – Group C Winners
Imo Striker Queens – Group D Winters
The stage is now set for the promotion playoffs, where the remaining four clubs will compete for the available places in the 2026/27 NWFL Premiership, with dreams of top-flight football hanging in the balance.
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