Asaba, Delta State, Warri Wolves Football Club and three other teams have secured their return to Nigeria’s top football league—the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)—after a tough competition in the NNL Super Eight Promotion Play-Offs.
The exciting football matches took place at Stephen Keshi International Stadium in Asaba and Southern Delta University Stadium in Ozoro, Delta State. After days of intense action, four clubs earned their promotion tickets to play in the NPFL for the upcoming 2025/2026 season.
The Four Promoted Clubs
- Warri Wolves FC – from Delta State (Southern Conference)
- Kun Khalifat FC – from Owerri, Imo State (Southern Conference)
- Wikki Tourists FC – from Bauchi State (Northern Conference)
- Barau FC – from Kano State (Northern Conference)
How They Qualified
In the Northern Conference, Wikki Tourists defeated Yobe Desert Stars 4-0 to finish top of their group with 5 points. Barau FC also earned 5 points after a 2-0 win over Doma United, but Wikki had a better goal difference, which placed them first.
In the Southern Conference, Warri Wolves won 2-1 against Crown FC, finishing at the top of their group. Kun Khalifat FC also secured a 2-1 victory over Osun United to claim the second promotion spot from the south.
Warri Wolves Celebrate Return to NPFL
For Warri Wolves, this victory was a big deal. The team had been playing in the lower division (NNL) for several years after they were relegated. So, when they won the match that confirmed their promotion, it was pure joy and celebration.
Even though it was raining, players, coaches, and hundreds of fans at the stadium in Asaba danced, cheered, and sang in excitement.
Coach Aluma: “We Belong Here”
Coach Napoleon Aluma, head of Warri Wolves, was full of joy after the match. He praised his players and thanked their supporters.
“Today is a special day for all of us. You can see the atmosphere here—we are overwhelmed and overjoyed,” he said.
Coach Aluma added that the team had faith and determination, and they believed they deserved to be back in the NPFL.
“We fought with everything we had in the two games we played. This is where we truly belong.”
He also thanked the Delta State Government and the people of Asaba for supporting the team during the competition. He promised that Warri Wolves would make the state proud when the NPFL season begins.
What’s Next?
The final match to decide the overall champion of the Super Eight League will be played this Saturday at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium in Asaba.
Whether they win or not, Warri Wolves and the other three clubs have already achieved a huge goal—a return to the big stage of Nigerian football.
