- The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Imo Striker Queens following their historic maiden qualification to the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership.
The Owerri-based side sealed their topflight debut on Friday after a commanding 2-0 victory over Ghetto Tiger Queens in Abiriba, Abia State. Goals from Anoke James and Chiamaka Damian ensured that Imo Striker Queens confirmed their promotion with a game to spare in the ongoing NWFL Championship playoff.
This remarkable feat marks their third consecutive victory in the competition, following earlier triumphs over Osun Babes (2-1) and Delta Babes (4-0). With this achievement, Imo Striker Queens join Sunshine Queens, Castmog Ladies, and Ahudiyannem Queens in booking promotion to the NWFL Premiership from the Abiriba and Umuahia centres.
In a statement jointly signed by SWAN Imo Chairman, Cosmos Chukwuemeka, and Secretary, Tunde Liadi, the association described the qualification as a “reward for years of hard work, commitment, and resilience” led by the club’s owner, Prince Chidi.
SWAN urged the team to see the promotion as the beginning of greater responsibility and charged them to step up preparations for their debut campaign in the elite league. The association also expressed delight that with this milestone, Imo State will now present two clubs in the women’s topflight next season.
Furthermore, SWAN Imo also thumbs up Heartland FC U19, who recently clinched promotion to the VA Nigeria Nationwide League One Division Two after securing the sole ticket at the Eket playoffs in Akwa Ibom State.
