Pacesetter Queens, a women’s football team owned by the Oyo State government, has secured a place in the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) for the 2025/26 season. The club took over the slot previously held by Benue Queens, marking its first appearance in the top‑tier league. This development was confirmed by Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaja Wasilat Adefemi Adegoke.
As part of its structure, Pacesetter Queens will serve as the official women’s team of Shooting Stars, a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side. The affiliation is expected to provide the necessary support and resources for the team to compete at the highest level.
The South‑West region of Nigeria is now represented by seven teams in the NWFL: Robo Queens, Dannaz Ladies, Remo Stars Ladies, Castmog Ladies, Sunshine Queens, Osun Babes, and Pacesetter Queens. Recent years have seen significant changes in the league, with efforts to improve competitiveness and visibility. Participation and investment have increased, aided by partnerships with state governments and private organisations.
The addition of Pacesetter Queens is anticipated to further enhance the league’s reputation and attract more fans to women’s football in the country. The kickoff date and fixtures for the new season will be announced at the league’s Annual General Assembly in Port Harcourt on 29 October 2025, an event that will bring together stakeholders, team officials, and players to discuss key issues and set the stage for the upcoming campaign.
With Pacesetter Queens joining the competition, the NWFL is poised for an exciting and competitive season, and fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the new campaign. As the league continues to grow, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in promoting women’s football in Nigeria and beyond.
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