NNL Super 8 Kicks Off in Asaba with High-Stakes Clashes, NPFL Promotion at Stake

Posted : 05 July 2025

The prestigious season-ending Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 playoffs kick off Saturday morning at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State, with Conference C runners-up Barau FC of Kano facing Conference D winners, Yobe Desert Stars, at 9:00 a.m.

Barau FC, in their debut NNL season, secured a Super 8 ticket with 5 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses, including a crucial goalless draw in Jos against Mighty Jets that sealed their place at the expense of Gombe United.

Backed by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who turned 66 last month, Barau FC will be extra motivated to deliver a winning birthday gift to their benefactor.

Yobe Desert Stars are no pushovers. They qualified for the Super 8 on the strength of their unbeaten home record and have been eager to return to the topflight since their relegation in the 2019 season. Could this be their year?

In the second match of the morning session, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi begin their NPFL promotion bid against Doma United of Gombe at 11:30 a.m., also at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

Having spent two consecutive seasons in the lower league, Wikki turned to their former manager Abdul Maikaba, who previously led the team to 4th and 3rd place finishes in the NPFL during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Under Maikaba, the club also returned to continental football in 2016, competing in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Wikki were impressive during the regular season, winning 7, drawing 2, and losing just 3 of their 12 matches in Northern Conference C, becoming the first team to qualify for the Super 8.

They face a dangerous Doma United, relegated from the NPFL just last season, despite an outstanding first half of the 2023/24 season where they went over 10 matches unbeaten and reached second place on the table at one point. They finished second in Northern Conference D with 19 points and are eager to bounce back to the topflight.

The afternoon fixture at 2:00 p.m. features Crown FC of Ogbomosho squaring off against Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri.

Led by experienced coach Ayodeji Ayeni, Crown FC finished second in Southern Conference A with 36 points from 18 games (11 wins, 3 draws, 4 defeats), including three away victories. Since their relegation in 2014, this is their closest shot at returning to the NPFL.

However, they face the ambitious Kun Khalifat FC, a club that has exceeded expectations by qualifying for the Super 8 in their debut NNL campaign. The Owerri-based side topped Southern Conference B with 37 points from 20 matches (10 wins, 7 draws, 3 losses).

Under youthful coach Obinna Uzoho and funded by entrepreneur Michael Amaefula, Kun Khalifat are proving they have what it takes to compete at the top level.

The final game of Day One, scheduled for 4:00 p.m., sees Osun United take on Warri Wolves.

Osun United have enjoyed a revival this season under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke, finishing second in Southern Conference B with 36 points. However, it remains to be seen whether that resurgence will be enough to return them to the topflight, a feat they haven’t achieved since the 2007/08 season.

Warri Wolves enter the Super 8 as arguably the most in-form team, collecting 39 points in the regular season—including 14 away from home. They were the highest-scoring team with 27 goals and among the least conceding sides.

Since their relegation from the NPFL in the 2020/21 season, this marks their strongest promotion push. With the added psychological edge of playing in their home state, they appear ready to seize the moment and return to the top tier.

NNL Super 8 Kicks Off in Asaba with High-Stakes Clashes, NPFL Promotion at Stake

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