NPFL promoted quartet confirmed
Warri Wolves, Wikki Tourists, Kun Khalifat, and Barau FC have secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following the conclusion of the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 playoffs in Asaba.
The four clubs emerged as the top two teams in Groups A and B after three rounds of intense competition in Delta State.
Wikki Tourists, who suffered relegation from the top flight in 2023, marked their return in emphatic fashion with a commanding 4–0 victory over Yobe Desert Stars in their final group match. Forward Wonderson was the star of the show, netting a first-half hat-trick and setting up Habila for the fourth goal. The Bauchi-based side finished top of Group A with five points and a superior goal difference.
Also, from Group A, Barau FC earned their maiden NPFL ticket after defeating Doma United 2–0. Goals from Usman Maidubji and Mohammed Shammasu ensured the Kano club ended their group campaign unbeaten, an impressive feat in their debut Super 8 appearance.
In Group B, Warri Wolves bounced back from an opening-day defeat to Osun United, winning their next two games to finish top with six points and a +3 goal difference. Under the guidance of coach Napoleon Aluma, the Delta State team returns to the elite division after several seasons away.
Joining them are Imo State’s Kun Khalifat, who also tallied six points with wins over Crown FC and Osun United. Their qualification marks a historic first appearance in the NPFL.
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 Nigeria’s second-tier league.
The quartet of promoted sides will replace Heartland, Akwa United, Sunshine Stars, and Lobi Stars, who were relegated following the conclusion of the 2024/25 NPFL season.
Meanwhile, NPFL chairperson Gbenga Elegbeleye has confirmed that the new top-flight campaign will kick off on August 22 and end on May 24, 2026. He noted that the fixed calendar reflects the league’s continued efforts toward professionalism, better planning, and improved structure.
