The much-anticipated 2024/2025 season of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership is set to commence on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, with thrilling matchups across the nation.

Biztellers reports that the 2024/2025 campaign carries extra significance as clubs begin their race to qualify for the Inaugural Women’s World Club Cup 2026.

The winner of the NWFL Premiership this season will compete for glory in the WAFU-B regional qualifiers and secure a ticket to the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League finals, aiming for a place in the first-ever global club football showpiece for women’s clubs.

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NWFL Chairperson, Nkechi Obi, has extended her best wishes to all the clubs as they begin their campaigns. She also pledged the board’s commitment to ensuring fairness and transparency throughout the season, emphasizing the importance of fair play for all teams.

“I wish all the teams success as they embark on this exciting journey, and may the best team emerge as champions,” Obi stated.

“Our commitment to fairness and integrity will remain unwavering, and we will continue to provide a level playing field for every team,” she added.

The biggest match of the opening week takes place in Benin City, where defending champions Edo Queens will face Abia Angels at the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium. Also in Group A, Ekiti Queens will host Heartland Queens at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti, while Confluence Queens take on Remo Stars Ladies at Anyimba City Stadium. Nasarawa Amazons will clash with Dannaz Ladies at Lafia City Stadium, with all matches scheduled for a 4:00 PM kickoff.

In Group B, Rivers Angels will square off against newly promoted Ibom Angels at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, while Adamawa Queens face Naija Ratels at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe.

Newcomers Benue Queens will play Robo Queens at Lafia City Stadium in the only early kickoff at 1:00 PM, while Bayelsa Queens host Delta Queens at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa at 4:00 PM.

Edo Queens are defending champions following their first-ever domestic title triumph at the 2023/2024 Super Six finals in Yenagoa. They went on to win the WAFU-B in Cote d’Ivoire and later finished fourth at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco.

Juventus are reportedly on the brink of finalising a major signing, with the club submitting a €15 million bid for Portuguese right-back Alberto Costa.

The bid, which outbids Sporting CP’s €12 million offer, is expected to be accepted by Vitória SC within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Juventus have also agreed to a five-year deal with Costa, marking the club’s serious intent to bolster their defensive options.

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Football expert, Fabrizio Romano confirmed the imminent deal via his X account on Monday, stating: “Juventus are closing in on Alberto Costa deal, exclusively revealed two days ago. Official bid sent to Vitória worth €15m package, more than Sporting with €12m. Agreement in place also with the Portuguese RB on five-year deal. Juve want to get it done in 24/48h.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea are preparing to part ways with Renato Veiga, with the club opting for a permanent sale rather than a loan.

Veiga, who has expressed a desire to play as a center-back instead of a left-back, is valued at €30 million.

Borussia Dortmund has reportedly reached an agreement with the player on personal terms, positioning them as the frontrunner for his signature.

“Renato Veiga, expected to leave Chelsea as the club opened the doors to permanent exit — not loan. Chelsea want around €30m for Veiga to leave accommodating his request to go and play as CB, not as LB. Full agreement Borussia Dortmund-Veiga on contract/project, in place,” Romano confirmed.

Over at Southampton, the club is working hard to retain the services of defender Kyle Walker-Peters, whose contract is set to expire in just six months.

The Saints are making a final attempt to extend his deal before the January transfer window closes. If no agreement is reached, the 26-year-old could leave for free in the summer.

Finally, Swiss forward Noah Okafor is set to complete a move to RB Leipzig on a €1 million loan deal, with his salary fully covered.

The deal includes a non-mandatory buy option worth €25–28 million. Okafor is expected to arrive in Leipzig today to finalize the move, marking another key addition for the Bundesliga side.

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has approved the renaming of the Honey Badgers FC of Makurdi to Benue Queens, following the successful takeover of the club by the Benue State Government (BSG).

The approval, conveyed in a letter signed by NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, followed a rigorous verification process confirming that the BSG met all requirements for the takeover and name change.

Consequently, effective immediately, Benue Queens will take over all fixtures, points, and standings previously held by Honey Badgers in the NWFL Premiership.

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On the development, Shabi said, “After submitting to the very rigorous process put in place to ensure that only serious, business-minded individuals and corporate groups are admitted to club ownership, the NWFL is satisfied that the Benue State Government has substantially met all requirements and has been granted approval to take over Honey Badgers.”

She further lauded the potential positive impact of the transition: “The Benue State Government has demonstrated its commitment to operating and funding the club in line with NWFL regulations, which are designed to protect the integrity of the league and safeguard the interests of players and other stakeholders involved in the NWFL.”

The takeover comes as Honey Badgers celebrate a historic milestone, having earned promotion to the NWFL Premiership this season, marking their rise from the lower divisions to the top tier of Nigerian women’s football.

The Makurdi-based outfit will face tough competition from seasoned teams, including Naija Ratels, Ibom Angels, Adamawa Queens, Delta Queens, Bayelsa Queens, and Rivers Angels in Group B.

Their campaign will kick off with a highly anticipated clash against the formidable Robo Queens in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on January 15, 2025, marking their debut in Nigeria’s top-flight women’s football league.