Sunshine Queens Take Over Imo Strikers NWFL Slot

Akure-based Sunshine Queens are set to return to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) topflight for the 2026-27 season after the club’s management acquired the NWFL slot of Imo Strikers Queens, according to sports Journalist Muftau Adewale.

A post on his Facebook page read; “Sunshine Queens are Back to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership.

“Understand that the Owena Mermaids have acquired the promotion slot of Imo Strikers Queens to make a return to the top-flight of women’s football.

“After suffering relegation last season, the Akure Landladies are set for an immediate comeback and will compete in the upcoming NWFL Premiership season.”

The move, which is still subject to ratification by the NWFL board, will see Sunshine Queens return to the elite women’s league just one season after they were relegated to the NWFL Championship.

Sunshine Queens endured a difficult campaign last term, which ended in demotion to the second tier.

However, the acquisition of Imo Strikers Queens’ slot offers the former topflight campaigners an immediate route back to the NWFL and a chance at swift redemption.

If approved, the development will restore the Akure club’s status in the top division and allow them to prepare for the 2026-27 campaign alongside other NWFL sides.

The club is expected to strengthen both its playing squad and technical department ahead of the new season as it seeks to avoid another relegation battle and compete more convincingly in the topflight.

The reported takeover is expected to excite supporters in Akure, who will hope Sunshine Queens can use the opportunity to rebuild and re-establish themselves among Nigeria’s leading women’s football clubs.