NWFL Chairperson, Nkechi Obi Steps Down After Transformative Tenure

The Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Nkechi Obi, has officially announced the end of her board’s two-year tenure, marking a significant milestone in the history of women’s football in Nigeria.

In a memo to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Obi reflected on what she described as groundbreaking achievements of her tenure, which have reshaped the landscape of women’s football in the country.

Historic Achievements

During her tenure, the NWFL experienced unprecedented growth, expanding the top-tier Premiership League from 14 to 20 clubs and doubling the second-tier Championship League from 12 to 20 clubs. The Nationwide League was restructured into a States League, set to kick off in August 2025 with over 150 participating teams across 30 states.

Broadcasting Breakthroughs

The NWFL achieved a major broadcasting milestone, with all Premiership Super 6 matches broadcast live in 2024 and 2025, a first in Nigerian women’s football. The Championship League also enjoyed live streaming, increasing global engagement and accessibility.

Financial Stability

The league reported a significant financial turnaround, from a deficit of over ₦25 million in 2023 to a ₦3 million surplus in 2024. Private sector involvement increased, with the 2025 Super 6 Tournament sponsored by a privately owned club, marking a shift from the usual state-government-funded model.

Player Welfare

The NWFL prioritized player welfare, increasing the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦80,000. The contribution of league players to national teams also increased, boosting Nigeria’s performance on the international stage.

Call to Action

As Obi steps down, she has called on the NFF Executive Committee to reconstitute a new NWFL Board to maintain momentum and continue the strategic development of women’s club football. “We’ve built a foundation that I hope future boards can build on,” she said.

Obi’s tenure has left a lasting legacy in Nigerian women’s football, marked by unprecedented growth, increased visibility, and improved financial stability. As the NWFL looks to the future, the challenge is to build on the progress made and continue to drive development in the women’s game.