The much-anticipated 20th edition of the Gwagwalada Football League (GFL) has been officially scheduled to kick off on Saturday, September 20, 2025, according to the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu).
Speaking at a media briefing in Gwagwalada, Ngwaogu confirmed that 26 grassroots football teams will participate in this year’s edition. The teams have been grouped into four, with the first round of matches set to run through the first week of November.
At the end of the group stage, the top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 8, which will determine the ultimate champion of the league.
Group Breakdown
• Group A:
Excel FC, Young Stars, Dukpa FC, Cottage FC, Desert Warriors FC, Net Shakers FC
• Group B:
Kapital Waves FC, Medical Strikers FC, Medical Feeders Academy, Riverside FC, Ejiwumi FC, Sky FC
• Group C (Group of Heavyweights):
ECN Global Academy, Potters FC, Bocknor Academy, Sensational Stars Academy, ABU Dhabi FC, FC 20 Academy, Sheikhdam FC
• Group D:
NIMMA FC, Babayaro FC, Daniel Academy, Golden Boys Academy, Soccer Talents Academy, Ejanla FC, Inspirational Sports Academy
Ngwaogu described Group C as the “group of heavyweights”, pointing to the presence of several high-performing academies and competitive sides.
The Gwagwalada Football League was first held in 2005, and has grown into one of the most vibrant grassroots football competitions in the FCT. The maiden edition was graced by Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi, then Director of Sports at the FCT Sports Council and later President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The league has consistently served as a platform for discovering young football talents and promoting sports development in Abuja and surrounding communities.
With the fixtures released and preparations underway, anticipation is building among fans and football stakeholders in the region. The Organising Committee has promised a well-coordinated and talent-rich competition, which may serve as a springboard for future professional players.
