Warri Wolves Defeat Wikki Tourists to Win 2024/2025 NNL Super 8 Playoffs

Posted : 13 July 2025

Warri Wolves Football Club emerged as the champions of the 2024/2025 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 Playoffs after defeating Wikki Tourists FC 3–2 in a gripping final match. The game was held at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium in Asaba and drew a large crowd of football fans from across the country.

The intense showdown saw Warri Wolves take control early in the game through a fast-paced, possession-driven strategy. Their dominance paid off quickly, as forward Abdulateef Yusuf, wearing jersey number 17, opened the scoring in the 9th minute following a swift counterattack.

The pressure from the Seasiders continued to mount, and they doubled their lead in the 21st minute. Just seven minutes later, a defensive blunder by Wikki Tourists allowed Yusuf to score his second goal, giving Warri Wolves a comfortable 3–0 lead.

Wikki Tourists responded admirably with a counterattack that led to a goal in the 31st minute, reducing the deficit to 3–1 before halftime. After the break, Wikki stepped up their efforts and were rewarded in the 59th minute with their second goal, following an impressive team move. Despite their persistence, they couldn’t find an equalizer.

The match, which featured four yellow cards, was played under challenging weather conditions due to heavy rainfall before kickoff.

Wikki Tourists captain Mohammed Idris admitted after the match that it was a tough contest, attributing their early setback to a slow start. However, he praised his team’s fighting spirit. Warri Wolves head coach, Napoleon Aluma, credited his team’s preparation and discipline for the victory, though he acknowledged that Wikki were strong opponents.

“We expected this victory because we were fully prepared,” Aluma said. “No team beat us in the regular season except for that controversial red card in Ogbomoso. Today, we showed our class.”

Controversy and Security Intervention

The game ended in drama as Wikki Tourists supporters stormed the pitch, protesting what they called “poor officiating.” One of the fans, Hamid Garba, criticized the referee for not adding stoppage time.

“The referee should have added time due to many stoppages. We were dominating at the end and could have scored,” Garba lamented.

Security personnel swiftly intervened to restore calm.

The final match was attended by top dignitaries, including Delta State Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, and NNL Board Chairman George Aluo.

NNL Board Confirms October Kickoff for 2025/2026 Season

In related news, the Nigeria National League (NNL) Board has announced that the 2025/2026 season will kick off in October 2025. This decision was made during a high-level board meeting held on Friday, July 11, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

The board also scheduled the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for late August and used the occasion to reflect on the recently concluded season. Appreciation was extended to the Delta State Government, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, and several sponsors including Prostar Recreational Services, Sportlight Hub, Sofascore, and Monimichelle.

Gusau was also congratulated on his recent appointment as President of the West African Football Union Zone B (WAFU B) by CAF — a move described as a fitting recognition of his leadership.

Promotions and Relegations

The NNL confirmed the promotion of the following clubs to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL):

Warri Wolves FC
Wikki Tourists FC
Barau FC
Kun Khalifat FC

Meanwhile, the following clubs were relegated to the lower division:

Ijele FC
Igbajo United FC
1472 FC
Abakiliki FC
Madiba FC
Gateway FC
Zamfara United FC
Adamawa United FC

The Board pledged continued reforms, improved officiating, and enhanced professionalism to strengthen the league’s commercial viability and develop domestic football talent.

Warri Wolves Defeat Wikki Tourists to Win 2024/2025 NNL Super 8 Playoffs

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