Pelican Stars and Imo Striker Queens have secured promotion to the 2026/27 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership after emerging victorious in the Promotion Playoffs held in Calabar.
Sports247 reports that both clubs successfully navigated a highly competitive week-long NWFL Championship before sealing their return to Nigeria’s top-flight women’s football league.
Pelican Stars booked their promotion with a dramatic 1-0 victory over DreamStar Ladies, thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Blessing Ayila.
The late winner crowned an impressive campaign for the Calabar-based side, sending their players, coaches, and supporters into wild celebrations.
In the second playoff, Imo Striker Queens edged Rangers Women FC 5-4 on penalties after a tense encounter ended goalless in regulation time.
The Owerri-based club held their nerve in the shootout to clinch the second promotion ticket and complete a deserved return to the NWFL Premiership.
The victories mark a significant milestone for both clubs, whose consistency, resilience, and determination throughout the championship earned them places among Nigeria’s elite women’s football teams for the 2026/27 season.
Their promotion also serves as a reward for the dedication of the players, coaching crews, management, and supporters who stood behind the teams throughout the campaign.
With Pelican Stars and Imo Striker Queens joining the Premiership ranks, attention will now turn to preparations for the new season as both clubs look to establish themselves among the country’s top women’s football sides.
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