The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) officially announced the schedule for the 2024/2025 Premiership season during its Annual General Assembly (AGA) held on December 17, 2024.

The Congress approved January 15, 2025, as the league’s kick-off date, with an exciting Star Match between Edo Queens and Abia Angels to start the new season.

The 2024 abridged league season will see 16 teams competing in two groups, with Naija Ratels placed in Group B alongside heavyweights such as Bayelsa Queens, Rivers Angels, and Nasarawa Amazons.

As part of efforts to elevate the league, the NWFL has also outlined plans to expand to 26 teams in the 2025/2026 season, underscoring their commitment to growing women’s football in Nigeria.

For the Abuja-based Naija Ratels, the upcoming season is an opportunity to improve upon their 5th-place finish from last year.

Speaking about their preparations, midfielder Emmanuel Blessing shared her optimism:

“I’m looking forward to a new season. We were involved in some preseason games before the Christmas break, and we’re expecting this season to be better than the last.”

With preseason matches under their belt, the Ratels are aiming to hit the ground running when the season kicks off.

Expectations are high as the team looks to make a strong statement in Group B, armed with renewed determination and bolstered squad depth.