Warri Wolves, Wikki Tourists, Kun Khalifat, and Barau FC have secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following the conclusion of the 2025 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 playoffs held in Asaba, Delta State.
The four sides emerged as the top two teams in their respective groups after three rounds of matches, earning a place in Nigeria’s top-flight division for the 2025/26 season.
Wikki Tourists, who were relegated from the NPFL in 2023, sealed their return in emphatic style, thrashing Yobe Desert Stars 4–0 in their final Group A match. Star forward Wonderson netted a first-half hat-trick and assisted Habila for the fourth goal, lifting the Bauchi club to the summit of the group with five points and a superior goal difference.
Barau FC, also in Group A, confirmed their promotion with a 2–0 win over Doma United, courtesy of goals from Usman Maidubji and Mohammed Shammasu. The unbeaten Kano-based club will be making its historic debut in the NPFL.
In Group B, Warri Wolves recovered from an opening-day defeat to Osun United to win their next two fixtures, amassing six points and a +3 goal difference. Coached by Napoleon Aluma, the Delta club returns to the top flight after several seasons in the second tier.
Also making history is Kun Khalifat FC of Imo State, who earned promotion with six points after impressive victories over Crown FC and Osun United. Their promotion marks their first-ever appearance in the NPFL.
The final of the NNL Super 8 will see Wikki Tourists face Warri Wolves on Saturday, July 12, to determine the 2025 NNL champions.
The newly promoted teams will replace Heartland, Akwa United, Sunshine Stars, and Lobi Stars, all of whom were relegated at the end of the 2024/25 NPFL season.
NPFL Chairperson Gbenga Elegbeleye has confirmed that the new season will kick off on August 22 and conclude on May 24, 2026, in a move to align the league with international standards and improve professionalism and planning.
