The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will welcome four new clubs in the upcoming 2025/2026 season, as Warri Wolves FC, Wikki Tourists FC, Barau FC, and Kun Khalifat FC sealed their promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super Eight Play-Offs in Asaba and Ozoro, Delta State.
The electrifying play-offs, hosted at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium and the Southern Delta University Stadium, showcased top-tier performances as the four clubs clinched NPFL promotion after intense group-stage clashes.
In the Northern Conference, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi bounced back in emphatic fashion, crushing Yobe Desert Stars 4-0 to top the group with five points. Barau FC of Kano matched their points tally by beating Doma United 2-0 but settled for second place due to an inferior goal difference. Both clubs now earn a deserved place in the NPFL spotlight.
Down south, Warri Wolves continued their resurgence with a crucial 2-1 victory over Crown FC, finishing as group leaders. Their Southern Conference rivals, Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri, also triumphed with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Osun United to secure their historic promotion.
The battle to crown the overall NNL Super Eight League Champion will take place this Saturday at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium in Asaba, where fans expect a thrilling finale to an already dramatic campaign.
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For Warri Wolves, the return to Nigeria’s top-flight league is a triumphant comeback story. Once a powerhouse in Nigerian football, the club had languished in the lower division since their relegation. But following their crucial win over Crown FC, celebrations erupted across Asaba as players and fans danced in the rain, marking the emotional end of their NNL journey.
Head Coach Napoleon Aluma expressed heartfelt gratitude to the supporters and Delta State Government, hailing the overwhelming turnout and unwavering support from the stands.
“Today is a special day for all of us,” Aluma said. “You can see the atmosphere here, we’re overwhelmed with joy. It is by faith and hard work that we are returning to the NPFL, because that’s where Warri Wolves truly belong.”
Aluma praised his players for their determination, describing their performance as disciplined, spirited, and worthy of the promotion ticket. He assured supporters that Warri Wolves would not only compete but represent Delta State with pride in the NPFL next season.
As the curtain falls on the Super Eight, football fans now look forward to a revitalized NPFL with fresh rivalries and new dreams, as these four clubs prepare to battle Nigeria’s elite teams in what promises to be an unforgettable 2025/2026 season.
