July 10, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria National League (NNL) has announced that Wikki Tourists, Barau FC, Warri Wolves, and Kun Khalifat, have earned promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the 2025/2026 season following the conclusion of the 2025 Super 8 Playoffs in Asaba. The playoffs, held at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium and Southern Delta University Stadium in Ozoro, saw fierce competition among eight teams vying for four promotion spots.
Wikki Tourists, a former NPFL side, clinched their return with a commanding 4-0 victory over Yobe Desert Stars, topping the Northern Conference with seven points. Barau FC, a privately funded club from Kano, claimed their first-ever NPFL berth with a 2-0 win against Doma United, finishing second in the Northern Conference with five points.
In the Southern Conference, Warri Wolves celebrated their return to the NPFL after years in the second tier, defeating Crown FC 2-1 to lead their group with six points. Kun Khalifat, a privately owned club from Owerri, marked a historic milestone by earning promotion with a 2-1 victory over Osun United, becoming the first Imo State-based private club to reach the top flight.
The promotion of these four clubs was confirmed on Thursday, with the final matches exhibiting intense battles and decisive performances. The inclusion of Barau FC and Kun Khalifat among the promoted teams increases the number of privately owned clubs in the NPFL to four, joining Remo Stars and Ikorodu City. This shift signals a growing trend towards private investment in Nigerian football, traditionally dominated by government-funded teams.
This should be a catalyst for enhanced competition, improved administration, and potential investment in the league. Barau FC, backed by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and Kun Khalifat, known as the Pride of Imo, are expected to bring fresh perspectives to the NPFL, fostering innovation and financial stability.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
