NWFL AGA 2025: Port Harcourt Set to Host Landmark Assembly as Women's Football Gears Up for Lift-Off!

The city of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is abuzz with excitement as it prepares to host the highly anticipated Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) 2025 Annual General Assembly (AGA) on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. This prestigious event will bring together Chairmen and General Managers of NWFL Premiership and Championship clubs, along with key stakeholders, to chart the course for the future of women's football in Nigeria.

A Gathering of Great Importance
The 2025 AGA promises to be a landmark event, with delegates expected to arrive on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, ahead of the main congress. The assembly will provide a platform for club representatives, administrators, and stakeholders to review the past season's activities, discuss strategic reforms, and set the agenda for the continued growth and development of women's football across the country.

Key Highlights to Look Out For

- Announcement of the 2025/2026 NWFL Premiership kickoff date

- Official Premiership Draw, unveiling fixtures for the upcoming league season

- Insights into the league's plans for expansion and development

- Opportunities for networking and collaboration among stakeholders

The NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Modupe Shabi, has expressed her optimism about the gathering, stating that the AGA will offer an opportunity for fruitful deliberations to advance the growth and development of women's football in Nigeria. As the football community counts down to the event, there is a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation. With the 2024/2025 campaign having just concluded, with Bayelsa Queens emerging Premiership champions for a record sixth time, the stage is set for a thrilling new season.

Four teams have been promoted to the NWFL Premiership: Sunshine Queens (Ondo), Castmog Ladies (Ogun), Ahudiyannem Queens (Abia), and Imo Striker Queens (Imo), expanding the top-flight to 20 teams ahead of the 2025/2026 season. In the Championship, newly promoted clubs include Dreamstar Ladies (returnees), Rangers Women (debutants), Rosaria Victrix (debutants), and Solo Wonders (debutants). The AGA promises to be a pivotal moment in shaping the next chapter of women's football in Nigeria.

Written by Charles Mayuku 

Ughelli Preseason Tournament: Meet Tournament Director Mr. Onome Ikrechero

The Ughelli Preseason Tournament, under the expert direction of Mr. Onome Ikrechero, has become a highly anticipated event in Nigerian football. This premier competition provides a platform for clubs to prepare for the new season, showcasing the best of Nigerian football talent.

The tournament offers teams the opportunity to test their skills, assess their players, and fine-tune their strategies before the start of the new season. It's a chance for coaches to identify areas for improvement and for players to showcase their abilities.

Under Mr. Ikrechero's leadership, the Ughelli Preseason Tournament has become a launching pad for young players and a reflection of his dedication to nurturing talent. As the tournament continues to thrive, it will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of Nigerian football.

With Mr. Ikrechero at the helm, the Ughelli Preseason Tournament is poised to continue its success, inspiring a new generation of footballers and football enthusiasts alike. The tournament's legacy is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and grassroots development in shaping the beautiful game.

Cynosure FC Announces Midseason Playing Tour, Invites Experienced Players

Cynosure FC of Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, is gearing up for a special midseason playing tour, featuring matches against top Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) sides. The club has extended an invitation to experienced and tested players without contracts to join the tour, providing a unique opportunity for talented individuals to showcase their skills and potentially get signed by top clubs.

The club's top official revealed that the team's training house in Abakaliki will open on November 1st, 2025, for interested players. This initiative aims to assemble a strong squad that can compete against the best teams in the country. The tour is expected to provide valuable experience for the players and provide them with a platform to get signed by clubs.

This is not the first time Cynosure FC has embarked on such a project. Prior to the start of the ongoing season, the club participated in a series of preseason matches against top NPFL sides, including Rangers International, Enyimba International, and Rivers United. The team also took part in the Alan Cup preseason tournament in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where they excelled. The outcome of the preseason was impressive, with over 16 players from the team securing contracts with top NPFL and Nigeria National League (NNL) sides.

Players interested in joining the tour are invited to contact the team manager, Mr. Nwankwo Chidiebere, to explore this opportunity. With a proven track record of success, Cynosure FC offers a platform for talented players to showcase their skills and potentially secure future contracts.

Interested players can reach out to:

Mr. Nwankwo Chidiebere

Team Manager, Cynosure FC

08135150221

Nigeria tops medal table at Africa Para Badminton Championships

Team Nigeria dominated the table at the Africa Para Badminton Championships 2025, with 36 medals, including 10 gold, 13 silver and 13 bronze as the competition concluded on Sunday.

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya came in second position with 11 medals, comprising four gold, two silver and five bronze medals at the tournament hosted at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia.

Egypt rounded off the top three with eight medals, including three gold, one silver and four bronze.

Republic of Benin came in fourth position with one gold, two silver and two bronze, whereas Congo Democratic got fifth with one gold and two bronze.

Tunisia occupied the sixth position with  one silver and one bronze, as  Cameroun got six bronze for the seventh position.

Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Rwanda round off the top 10 with two bronze each as Mauritius  completed the medal table with one bronze.

Only Mozambique failed to win any medal among the 12 countries that participated in 19 events of the tournament that started on Oct. 7.

Meanwhile, African queen of para badminton,  Eniola Bolaji,  Chigozie Nnanna, Chukwuemeka Eze, Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, Mary Nathan, Chinyere Okoro, Munkwoba Gomanand Bello Tukur were among Nigeria's gold medalists.

The trio of Bolaji, Nnanna and Nathan had won gold medals in their categories at the just-concluded First Abia Para Badminton International held between Sept. 30 and Oct. 5, at the same venue.

Also, Odinachi Uwalaka, Obinna Nwosu, Ifeanacho Ohaeri, Ebikoboere Brown, Abel David, James Akpan and Nendimwa Monday and others won silver for Nigeria on Sunday.

In a speech at the closing ceremony, Gov. Alex Otti of Abia extended warm congratulations and gratitude to all the athletes, officials and delegation that the event an extraordinary celebration of resilience and unity.

Otti, represented by Nwaobilor Ananaba, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, said that the experience has been a priceless classroom for Nigeria.

"We have learned, improved and been inspired.

"And let me assure you - Abia will bid to host again, and when we do, we will offer an experience that will far surpass this pioneering effort," he said.

In a goodwill message, President Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih said that the para athletes had demonstrated that sport is a powerful expression of ability, resilience and human dignity.

He thanked the Badminton World Federation and Badminton Confederation of Africa for their guidance, presence and unrelenting commitment to the advancement of para badminton in Africa 

 Orbih also expressed profound gratitude to Abia State Government, saying "You have not only provided a world-class environment for competition, but you have also created a home for friendship and unity among others."

Ughelli Preseason Cup 2025: Graded Referees Set to Officiate

The 20th edition of the Ughelli Preseason Cup, scheduled to take place from November 1st to 7th in Ughelli, Delta State, is set to feature top-notch refereeing, following confirmation from the Nigeria Referee Association (NRA) Delta State Council. Tournament Director, Mr. Onome Ikrechero, expressed his excitement over the development, assuring that graded referees will officiate at the tournament.

"I am excited with this confirmation we have received from the NRA," Mr. Ikrechero stated. "With this development, you can be rest assured that the matches will be played in conformity to the laws of the game." This assurance is expected to bring a heightened level of competitiveness and sportsmanship to the tournament.

Tournament Structure

The Ughelli Preseason Cup 2025 features 16 teams divided into four groups. The groups are as follows:

- Group A: De Sapele Lions FC, Victory Stars FC, United Stars FC, ABC Starlet FC

- Group B: Destiny Stars FC, Ughelli Rovers, Young Soccer FC, Red Dynamos Stars FC

- Group C: Great Avengers FC, Excellent FC, Ughelli Track FC, Young Soccer FA

- Group D: Winsome FC, Zion Hill FC, Igho FC, Morak FC

Fixtures

The tournament kicks off on November 1st with four matches, including Destiny Stars FC vs Ughelli Rovers, Red Dynamos Stars vs Young Soccer FC, ABC Starlets vs Victory Stars, and De Sapele Lion's vs United Stars. The subsequent matches are scheduled as follows:

Day 1 (November 1)

- 10am: Destiny Stars FC vs Ughelli Rovers

- 12pm: Red Dynamos Stars vs Young Soccer FC

- 2pm: ABC Starlets vs Victory Stars

- 4pm: De Sapele Lion's vs United Stars

Day 2 (November 2)

- 10am: Zion Hill FC vs Igho FC

- 12pm: Morak FC vs Winsome FC

- 2pm: Great Avengers vs Young Soccer FA

- 4pm: Excellent FA vs Go Pro FC

Day 3 (November 3)

- 10am: United Stars vs ABC Starlet

- 12pm: Victory Stars vs De Sapele Lion's

- 2pm: Young Soccer FC vs Destiny Stars FC

- 4pm: Ughelli Rovers vs Red Dynamos Stars

Day 4 (November 4)

- 10am: Young Soccer FA vs Excellent FA

- 12pm: Go Pro FC vs Great Avengers

- 2pm: Igho FC vs Winsome FC

- 4pm: Zion Hills FC vs Morak FC

Day 5 (November 5)

- 10am: Ughelli Rovers vs Young Soccer FC

- 12pm: Destiny Stars FC vs Red Dynamos Stars

- 2pm: Victory Stars vs United Stars

- 4pm: De Sapele Lions vs ABC Starlet

Day 6 (November 6)

- 10am: Winsome FC vs Zion Hills FA

- 12pm: Morak FC vs Igho FC

- 2pm: Young Soccer FA vs Go Pro FC

- 4pm: Excellent FA vs Great Avengers FC

The 20th edition of the Ughelli Preseason Cup promises to be an exciting celebration of football talent in the region, and fans are eagerly anticipating the matches. With graded referees officiating the games, fans can expect a high level of competitiveness and sportsmanship.

WAFU B U17 Tournament: Golden Eaglets Settle for Bronze

Nigeria's Golden Eaglets concluded their WAFU B U17 campaign on a winning note, beating Burkina Faso 2-0 in the third-place playoff to claim the bronze medal. Despite the victory, the team's failure to qualify for next year's U17 AFCON casts a shadow over their performance.

The Golden Eaglets had a promising start to the tournament, thrashing Benin 4-1 and topping Group B after a goalless draw against Burkina Faso. However, their semifinal match against Ghana exposed defensive vulnerabilities, leading to a 2-0 loss.

Ahmed Yusuf's impressive performance earned him the Player of the Match award, scoring the opener and inspiring the team to victory. Famous Umole sealed the win with a precise finish, but the victory is a small consolation for the team. The Golden Eaglets will look to regroup and rebuild for future competitions.

Ughelli Preseason Cup 2025 Unveils Official Match Ball

The organizers of the Ughelli Preseason Cup 2025 have taken a significant step in preparations for the 20th edition of the tournament by unveiling the official match ball. In a brief but colorful ceremony held in Ughelli, Tournament Director Mr. Onome Ikrechero announced that the competition will feature FIFA-approved Select Balls.

"We are excited to announce that FIFA-approved Select Balls will be used for the entire duration of this edition of the Ughelli Preseason tournament," Mr. Ikrechero stated. This move highlights the tournament's commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and fairness.

The use of FIFA-approved balls demonstrates the organizers' focus on excellence and their determination to provide a platform for top-notch football in the region. The 20th edition of the Ughelli Preseason Cup is expected to attract top teams and talent, and the official match ball will undoubtedly play a significant role in the competition.

With the unveiling of the match ball, the stage is set for an exciting tournament. Football enthusiasts in the region are eagerly anticipating the start of the competition, which promises to be a thrilling celebration of football talent.

Written by Charles Mayuku 

Excellent FC's Star Defender Jesse Issac Tobore Makes Loan Move to Yobe Desert Stars

In a strategic move to bolster their defensive lineup, Yobe Desert Stars, a Nigeria National League (NNL) side, has secured the loan services of Jesse Issac Tobore, a skilled and strong defender who can also play as a defensive midfielder from Excellent FC of Ughelli, Delta State. This development comes ahead of the highly anticipated 2025/2026 NNL season.

About Jesse Issac Tobore

Jesse Issac Tobore is known for his exceptional defensive prowess, which has earned him recognition within the Nigerian football landscape. His ability to read the game, combined with his skillful play and strong tackling, makes him an invaluable asset to any team.

📸 Tobore (middle)

Impact on Yobe Desert Stars

The inclusion of Jesse Issac Tobore in Yobe Desert Stars' squad is anticipated to bring about a positive transformation in the team's defensive strategy. His experience and skill set are expected to provide stability and leadership to the team's backline.

📸 Tobore, (behind) first from right 

Excellent FC's Strategic Decision

Excellent FC's decision to loan out Jesse Issac can be seen as a strategic move, allowing the defender to gain valuable playing experience in a competitive league. This move might benefit both parties, as Jesse Issac gets to develop his skills further.

With Yobe Desert Stars having recently overhauled their squad, this new signing could be a significant boost to their ambitions 

Written by Charles Mayuku 

20th Edition of Ughelli Preseason Cup 2025 Set to Ignite Football Frenzy

The 20th edition of the Ughelli Preseason Cup 2025 is just around the corner, promising an exciting display of football talent in the region. The tournament, scheduled to take place from November 1st to 7th in Ughelli, Delta State, features 16 teams divided into four groups.

Group Stage Lineup

The teams have been grouped as follows:

Group A: De Sapele Lions FC, Victory Stars FC, United Stars FC, ABC Starlet FC

Group B: Destiny Stars FC, Ughelli Rovers, Young Soccer FC, Red Dynamos Stars FC

Group C: Great Avengers FC, Excellent FC, Ughelli Track FC, Young Soccer FA

Group D: Winsome FC, Zion Hill FC, Igho FC, Morak FC

Fixtures

The tournament kicks off on November 1st with four matches, including Destiny Stars FC vs Ughelli Rovers, Red Dynamos Stars vs Young Soccer FC, ABC Starlets vs Victory Stars, and De Sapele Lion's vs United Stars.

The subsequent matches are scheduled as follows:

Day 1 (November 1)

- 10am: Destiny Stars FC vs Ughelli Rovers

- 12pm: Red Dynamos Stars vs Young Soccer FC

- 2pm: ABC Starlets vs Victory Stars

- 4pm: De Sapele Lion's vs United Stars

Day 2 (November 2)

- 10am: Zion Hill FC vs Igho FC

- 12pm: Morak FC vs Winsome FC

- 2pm: Great Avengers vs Young Soccer FA

- 4pm: Excellent FA vs Go Pro FC

Day 3 (November 3)

- 10am: United Stars vs ABC Starlet

- 12pm: Victory Stars vs De Sapele Lion's

- 2pm: Young Soccer FC vs Destiny Stars FC

- 4pm: Ughelli Rovers vs Red Dynamos Stars

Day 4 (November 4)

- 10am: Young Soccer FA vs Excellent FA

- 12pm: Go Pro FC vs Great Avengers

- 2pm: Igho FC vs Winsome FC

- 4pm: Zion Hills FC vs Morak FC

Day 5 (November 5)

- 10am: Ughelli Rovers vs Young Soccer FC

- 12pm: Destiny Stars FC vs Red Dynamos Stars

- 2pm: Victory Stars vs United Stars

- 4pm: De Sapele Lions vs ABC Starlet

Day 6 (November 6)

- 10am: Winsome FC vs Zion Hills FA

- 12pm: Morak FC vs Igho FC

- 2pm: Young Soccer FA vs Go Pro FC

- 4pm: Excellent FA vs Great Avengers FC

The 20th edition of the Ughelli Preseason Cup promises to be an exciting celebration of football talent in the region, and fans are eagerly anticipating the matches.