Honey Badgers and Ibom Angels secure promotion to NWFL Premiership
In a historic day for Nigerian women’s football, both Ibom Angels and Honey Badgers secured their places in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership after impressive victories in the NWFL Championship playoff matches held on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
Benue State-based Honey Badgers made headlines by earning their maiden promotion to the NWFL Premiership with a 1-0 win over Pelican Stars. A second-half goal from Hellen Daniel was enough to seal the victory and send the Badgers into the top tier of Nigerian women’s football. The team’s defense stood strong throughout the match, resisting Pelican Stars’ efforts to equalize.
“This is a dream come true for us. We’ve worked tirelessly to reach this point, and it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players and staff,” said Honey Badgers’ head coach, Emmanuel Agbo, celebrating the team’s remarkable achievement.
Joining the Honey Badgers in the NWFL Premiership are Uyo-based Ibom Angels, who marked their triumphant return with a 2-0 victory over Osun Babes. Goals from captain Abasiofon Uwah and Ijeoma Onweagba ensured that Ibom Angels regained their spot among the elite of Nigerian women’s football.
“We’re delighted to be back in the Premiership. It’s been a tough journey, but we’ve persevered and achieved our goal,” said Uwah, reflecting on the team’s successful campaign under former Super Falcons coach Edwin Okon.
In the relegation playoff matches, Chosen Generation Angels and Heroes Queens managed to retain their places in the NWFL Championship. Chosen Generation Angels narrowly defeated Kaduna Queens 1-0, while Heroes Queens edged DreamStar FC Ladies by the same scoreline.
As a result, Kaduna Queens and DreamStar FC Ladies have been relegated to the third tier of Nigerian women’s football.
NWFL Chairman Nkechi Obi extended her congratulations to both Honey Badgers and Ibom Angels on their promotion to the Premiership, acknowledging their hard work and determination. She also praised Osun Babes and Pelican Stars for their competitive spirit throughout the playoffs.
The upcoming NWFL Premiership season promises to be exciting, with the addition of two teams eager to prove themselves among Nigeria’s top women’s football clubs.
