Deji Adesina, Sports Correspondent
Port Harcourt has been confirmed as the host city for the 2026 NWFL Premiership Super Six Finals, marking the first time the season-ending women’s football playoffs will be staged in Rivers State. The championship will run from 5–14 June 2026, featuring Nigeria’s top six clubs in a round-robin format.
Key Details
- Dates: Friday 5 June – Sunday 14 June 2026
- Venue: Port Harcourt, Rivers State (first-time host)
- Format: Round-robin, six clubs, each playing five matches over nine days
- Qualified Teams:
- Bayelsa Queens (defending champions)
- Edo Queens
- Rivers Angels
- Robo Queens
- Nasarawa Amazons
- Abia Angels (debutants)
Why Port Harcourt?
NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi explained that Rivers State was chosen due to its consistent support for women’s football, including hosting the league’s Annual General Assembly in 2025. Organisers believe the city can deliver a vibrant atmosphere for players, officials, and fans.
Historical Context
- Past winners of the NWFL Premiership include:
- Rivers Angels (2021)
- Bayelsa Queens (2022, 2025)
- Delta Queens (2023)
- Edo Queens (2024)
- The Super Six will also determine Nigeria’s representative at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers (WAFU-B) and ultimately the 2027 FIFA Women’s Club Championship.
Implications
- For Clubs: Strict compliance with competition regulations has been emphasised by the NWFL, reinforcing professionalism.
- For Fans: Port Harcourt residents will enjoy top-tier women’s football, boosting local sports tourism.
- For Nigerian Football: The Super Six remains the pinnacle of the NWFL season, shaping continental representation and global exposure.
Analysis
The decision to host in Port Harcourt reflects a strategic push to expand women’s football beyond traditional hubs. It also underscores Rivers State’s growing role in Nigerian sports. With six competitive teams and recent history of diverse champions, the 2026 edition promises to be one of the most fiercely contested yet.
Summary: Port Harcourt’s hosting of the NWFL Super Six is a landmark moment for Nigerian women’s football, combining local enthusiasm with national significance as the league crowns its champions and selects continental representatives.
