The Badagry Divisional Football Association (BDFA) has successfully conducted the draws for the RAK BDFA League 2025/2026 Female Category, reaffirming its commitment to grassroots football development, gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the creation of equal opportunities for female footballers.
The draws took place on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the BDFA Secretariat, with representatives of the RAK Development Foundation in attendance. The exercise established the fixtures for the competition and marked an important milestone in preparations for a tournament expected to deliver excitement, healthy rivalry, and an enjoyable football experience.
The league will officially kick off on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Olympic Stadium, Ijesha, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos State.
This edition places women’s football firmly in the spotlight, recognising that football development must be inclusive and that female players deserve opportunities to compete, showcase their abilities, develop their talents, and receive recognition for their contributions to the sport.
A total of 15 teams, and a BYE entry in the drawn bracket, are featured in the competition structure, setting the stage for exciting matchups and a determined contest for the ultimate prize.
The participating teams are:
1. Royaltoms Queens
2. Diamond Stars Ladies
3. Sharp Strikers Queens
4. Ayisat Yusuf FA
5. Future Stars 99 SA
6. Masters Project
7. Clever Star
8. Murich Queens
9. Ghetto Tigers Ladies
10. Oghale Falcons FC
11. STM Doves
12. Heroe’s Queens AFC
13. United Squad Angels
14. Victorious Angels
15. Great Stars Ikomatic SA
With the draws completed, participating teams can now focus on preparation, tactical organisation, and the challenge of progressing through the competition. Each team will have an opportunity to demonstrate its quality, teamwork, resilience, and determination in pursuit of success.
The BDFA anticipates an exciting tournament in which the participating teams will contribute to the growth and visibility of female football across the division.
The BDFA recognises the importance of the work associated with Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende Abubakre, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development and pioneer of the RAK Development Foundation, in the broader context of youth development, social inclusion, and opportunities for young people.
The RAK BDFA League Female Category provides an important platform to highlight the need for gender balance in sports and society. Female footballers possess talent, ambition, discipline, and competitive ability, and they deserve meaningful opportunities to develop their potential.
Gender balance is not simply about including women in a sporting programme. It is about ensuring that women and girls have access to opportunities to participate, compete, develop, and receive recognition for their achievements.
The Hon. Commissioner believes that the development of football must accommodate both male and female players. Organising a dedicated female category is a practical step towards creating a more inclusive sporting environment and demonstrating that football is a game for everyone.
The initiative reflects the broader importance of youth development, social inclusion, and equal opportunities within Lagos State, under the administration of His Excellency, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
By providing a competitive platform for female footballers, the RAK BDFA League 2025/2026 Female Category contributes to wider efforts to encourage youth engagement, strengthen community participation, and expand opportunities for talent development.
Sports can serve as an important instrument for discipline, teamwork, leadership, personal growth, and social integration. When girls and women are given meaningful opportunities to participate, football can help strengthen confidence, develop leadership skills, and inspire younger generations.
The BDFA therefore encourages government institutions, private organisations, foundations, corporate sponsors, and football stakeholders to support initiatives that promote women’s football and expand opportunities for female participation.
The competition will officially commence on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Olympic Stadium, Ijesha, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos State.
The league will be played on a home and away basis, with aggregate goals determining the winner of each two legged tie.
The BDFA has confirmed that the away goal rule will not apply. Consequently, goals scored away from home will carry no additional advantage in determining the outcome of a tie. The combined score across both legs will determine the winner, in accordance with the competition regulations.
All participating teams are expected to familiarise themselves with the rules and directives of the organisers. Discipline, respect for match officials, fair play, and responsible conduct by players, team officials, and supporters will be essential to the successful organisation of the competition.
Beyond the matches, the female category represents an opportunity to encourage more girls to participate in football, inspire emerging players, and strengthen the visibility of women’s football across the Badagry Division and beyond.
Organised competitions provide players with valuable match experience, helping them improve their technical, tactical, physical, and mental qualities. They also allow coaches and administrators to identify talent and contribute to the long term development of the women’s game.
The BDFA hopes that this league will encourage more clubs to invest in female teams and motivate stakeholders to provide the facilities, equipment, sponsorship, and technical support required for sustainable progress.
The association emphasises that gender equality must be reflected in the opportunities provided, the support extended, and the recognition given to female players. The RAK BDFA League Female Category is an opportunity to translate this principle into action by placing female footballers at the centre of a structured and competitive sporting programme.
The BDFA appreciates the involvement of the RAK Development Foundation and recognises the importance of continued collaboration in promoting grassroots football and expanding opportunities for women and girls.
The association remains committed to developing talent, strengthening community engagement, and promoting a football environment where both male and female players can contribute to the growth of the game.
Female football matters. Gender balance matters. Equal opportunities matter.
Let the games begin!
