Osun Babes Football Club and Pacesetter Queens Football Club have secured Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership slots for the 2025/26 season through approved takeovers.
Osun Babes have acquired Imo Striker Queens’ promotion rights. The Osun State Government sanctioned the move, confirming its backing for women’s football.
Pacesetter Queens took over Benue Queens’ position. Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adefemi Adegoke, announced the development. The club now represents Oyo alongside Shooting Stars Sports Club as its women’s side.
The South West region now leads the NWFL with seven teams. FC Robo Queens and Dannaz Ladies represent Lagos, while Remo Stars Ladies and Castmog Ladies fly Ogun’s flag. Sunshine Queens continue for Ondo State.
The addition of Osun Babes and Pacesetter Queens increases the region’s influence in Nigerian women’s football. It also strengthens inter-state competition ahead of the new campaign.
History overview
Osun Babes were relegated in the 2022/23 season and narrowly missed direct promotion last month. The takeover restores their Premiership status. Training resumes in December ahead of the pre-season schedule.
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Formed in July 2025, Pacesetter Queens conducted open trials in August. The club focuses on nurturing local talent and promoting youth inclusion. Their top-flight debut marks a milestone in Oyo’s football evolution.
A preseason Queens Cup tournament is set to begin in Ibadan soon, featuring ten teams. It serves as a curtain-raiser for the NWFL season. Pacesetter Queens will co-host the event with Osun Babes.
Meanwhile, the NWFL Annual General Assembly convenes in Port Harcourt to finalize frameworks for the 2025/26 season. Four teams have earned promotion from the Nationwide League, expanding the competition’s reach.
This is a growing investment in women’s football across Nigeria. The top-flight qualification of Southwestern female clubs shows a regional revival built on ambition.
