Pelican Stars secure NWFL Premiership return with late winner against DreamStar FC

Pelican Stars Football Club, a female football team owned by the Cross River State government, have earned promotion to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership after defeating DreamStar Ladies FC 1-0 in the final of the 2026 NWFL Championship Playoffs in Calabar.

Blessing Ayila struck deep into stoppage time at the U.J. Esuene Stadium to hand the Cross River side victory and complete an unbeaten run through the tournament.

The Calabar club won all four matches in the competition, which featured 16 teams battling for two promotion tickets, defeating Ikukuoma Queens 2-1, Gallant Queens 2-0 and Moje Queens 1-0 before overcoming DreamStar Ladies in the final.

Imo Strikers Queens also secured promotion after beating Rangers Women FC 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw.

Reacting to the feat, the Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Etta Lawrence Itanya, hailed the players and coaching crew for their resilience and dedication, describing the promotion as a major achievement for the state.

Pelican Stars Chairman, Mrs. Sefia Francis Aribiah, said the team’s return to the top flight was the product of hard work, discipline and unity, thanking the state government, Sports Commission, technical crew, management and supporters for standing by the club throughout the campaign.