Warri Wolves, Wikki Tourists, Kun Khalifat and Barau FC have earned promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League following the conclusion of the group phase of the 2025 Nigeria National League Super 8 playoffs in Asaba.
The four teams finished as the top two sides in Groups A and B, after three rounds of matches held in Delta State.
Wikki Tourists, who were relegated from the NPFL in 2023, marked their return to the top flight with an emphatic 4–0 win over Yobe Desert Stars in their final group game.
Forward Wonderson delivered a standout performance, scoring a first-half hat-trick and providing an assist for Habila’s goal as the Bauchi club topped Group A with five points and a superior goal difference.
Barau FC also made their way to the top tier after a 2–0 victory against Doma United.
Goals from Usman Maidubji and Mohammed Shammasu ensured the Kano-based side remained unbeaten across all three group matches. It will be Barau’s first appearance in the NPFL.
In Group B, Warri Wolves overcame an opening-day loss to Osun United to win their next two matches, finishing with six points and a plus-three goal difference.
The Delta State side, under coach Napoleon Aluma, returns to the NPFL after an extended spell outside the top division.
Kun Khalifat, representing Imo State, also posted six points after defeating Crown FC and Osun United in their opening and closing group matches, respectively. Their progress will also mark a historic debut in the NPFL.
Wikki will now meet Wolves in the NNL Super 8 final on Saturday, July 12, to determine the overall champions of the second-tier league.
The four promoted clubs will replace Heartland, Akwa United, Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars, who dropped to the NNL following the end of the 2024/25 NPFL campaign.
NPFL chairperson Gbenga Elegbeleye has confirmed that the new season will begin on August 22 and conclude on May 24 2026. He said the fixed calendar reflects the league’s growing commitment to improved professionalism, structure and planning.
