NNL Drama: Four Giants Rise To NPFL After Super 8 Thriller

Four clubs — Warri Wolves, Wikki Tourists, Kun Khalifat, and Barau FC — have secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following their impressive performances in the ongoing 2025 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 playoffs held in Asaba.

At the end of the group stage, the four sides finished as the top two teams in Groups A and B, earning their places in the 2025–2026 NPFL season.

Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, relegated from the NPFL in 2023, stormed back to the top flight with a commanding 4–0 victory over Yobe Desert Stars in their final group match. The hero of the game, Wonderson, netted a stunning first-half hat-trick and contributed to the fourth goal. Wikki topped Group A with five points, advancing on goal difference.

Joining them from Group A is Barau FC, who capped an unbeaten campaign with a 2–0 win over Doma United. Goals from Usman Maidubji and Mohammed Shammasu sealed the historic promotion for the Kano-based side, marking their debut appearance in the NPFL.

In Group B, Warri Wolves finished top after bouncing back from an opening loss to Osun United with two crucial victories. They ended the group stage with six points and a +3 goal difference. Coach Napoleon Aluma now leads the Delta State club back to the NPFL after a lengthy absence.

Also qualifying from Group B is Kun Khalifat FC from Imo State. The club made history by claiming wins over Crown FC and Osun United, collecting six points and securing their first-ever promotion to Nigeria’s top division.

Wikki Tourists and Warri Wolves will now face off in the NNL Super 8 final on Saturday, July 12, to determine the overall champion of the 2025 NNL season. However, both teams have already sealed their NPFL promotion.

The four newly promoted teams will replace Heartland, Akwa United, Sunshine Stars, and Lobi Stars, who were relegated after the 2024–2025 NPFL season.

Meanwhile, NPFL Chairperson Gbenga Elegbeleye has announced that the 2025–2026 NPFL season will commence on August 22, 2025, and conclude on May 24, 2026.