Pelican Stars Return To NWFL Premiership After Unbeaten Championship Run

CALABAR, CROSS RIVER – Pelican Stars Football Club have secured a return to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership after emerging as one of only two clubs promoted from a field of 16 teams at the 2026 NWFL Championship Playoffs held in Calabar.

The Calabar-based side completed an unbeaten campaign, winning every match in the week-long tournament before defeating DreamStar Ladies FC 1-0 in a dramatic playoff final decided by a stoppage-time goal from Blessing Ayila at the U.J. Esuene Stadium.

The victory marks the club’s return to Nigeria’s top-flight women’s football league after spending years outside the elite division, restoring one of the country’s most decorated women’s football teams to the Premiership.

Pelican Stars began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Ikukuoma Queens before defeating Gallant Queens 2-0 and edging Moje Queens 1-0 to finish the group stage with a perfect nine points from three matches.

The team carried its impressive form into the promotion playoff, where Ayila’s late strike against DreamStar Ladies sealed promotion and sparked celebrations among home supporters.

Imo Strikers Queens claimed the second promotion ticket after defeating Rangers Women FC 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw, completing the list of the only two clubs to earn promotion from the 16-team championship.

Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Mr Lawrence Etta Itanya, described Pelican Stars’ promotion as a proud achievement for the state, commending the players, coaches and management for their determination throughout the competition.

“The promotion is a proud moment for Cross River State,” Itanya said, praising the team’s resilience and dedication during the championship.

He also acknowledged Governor Bassey Edet Otu and the First Lady, Bishop Dr. Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for their continued support for sports development, saying their commitment has encouraged athletes in the state to strive for excellence.

Chairman of Pelican Stars FC, Mrs. Sefia Francis Aribiah, attributed the team’s success to discipline, teamwork and hard work, while expressing appreciation to the state government, the Sports Commission, the technical crew, supporters and fans for standing by the club throughout the campaign.

“This promotion is the result of hard work, discipline and teamwork,” Mrs. Aribiah said as she thanked all those who contributed to the club’s successful return to the top flight.

Members of the club’s technical crew and management also expressed confidence that Pelican Stars are ready to compete once again among Nigeria’s elite women’s football clubs after completing an unbeaten championship campaign.

The successful hosting of the championship in Calabar and Pelican Stars’ return to the Premiership are expected to boost women’s football development in Cross River State while reinforcing the state’s growing reputation as a destination for major sporting events.