Asaba, Delta State — It was a thrilling night of football at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Asaba, as Warri Wolves Football Club were crowned champions of the NNL Super Eight League Finals after a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi.
The match, played under misty weather with heavy rain earlier in the day, brought in hundreds of fans and top football figures from across the country. Some of the big names in attendance included Delta State Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ibrahim Gusau, NNL Chairman George Aluo, and club managers from various Nigerian teams.
A Match of Speed, Skill & Spirit
Right from kick-off, Warri Wolves showed dominance in ball possession and made an early breakthrough in the 9th minute, when Yusuf Lateef (jersey No. 17) fired in the opening goal.
That early goal set the tone for the Wolves, and they didn’t stop there. In the 21st minute, Igbunu Evwierhurhona (jersey No. 31) scored the second goal, and just 7 minutes later, Yusuf Lateef returned with a key assist that led to Warri Wolves’ third goal—securing a 3–0 lead before the first half hour of the match.
But the Wikki Tourists were not giving up. In the 39th minute, Mahmood Aliyu scored a goal that brought the score to 3–1 by halftime, sparking hope for the Bauchi side.
Second Half Comeback Attempt
When the second half resumed, Wikki Tourists came back stronger and more determined. Their energy paid off in the 59th minute, when Wanderson Yakubu scored a second goal for the team, narrowing the score to 3–2.
Despite strong efforts and more possession in the second half, the Tourists couldn’t find an equalizer before the final whistle.
The match saw four yellow cards handed out, but no red cards. The rain and mist added to the drama, making conditions slightly tricky for both teams.
Reactions After the Match
After the game, Wikki Tourists captain, Mohammed Idris, admitted it was a tough match and blamed their poor start for the defeat, but praised his team’s fighting spirit.
Coach of Warri Wolves, Napoleon Aluma, said he was proud of his players and expected the win. He acknowledged that both teams played well but said his boys were more prepared.
Chaos After Final Whistle
There was drama at the end of the match when angry Wikki Tourists supporters invaded the pitch, claiming the referee did not allow enough extra time. The situation became tense, but security forces and leaders from the Hausa-Fulani community at the stadium stepped in quickly to calm things down and restore order.
A Big Win for Warri Wolves
This victory means a lot for Warri Wolves, as they not only lift the NNL Super Eight trophy but also send a message that they are ready for bigger challenges in Nigerian football.
For the fans, it was a night filled with excitement, tension, and unforgettable goals — a game that showed the heart and passion of Nigerian football.
