It’s official. Warri Wolves FC are back in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the first time since 2021. The Delta State-based team sealed their long-awaited return to top-flight football after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Crown FC at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, concluding their NNL Super 8 playoff campaign in style.
It has been a journey filled with ups and downs for the Seasiders. After suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Osun United in their opening game of the Super 8, Warri Wolves knew only a win in their final match would secure promotion. They responded with resilience, bouncing back to hammer Kun Khalifat FC 3-0 in their second fixture and then clinching a crucial victory against Crown FC under heavy rainfall.
Read Also: Wikki Tourists and Barau FC Earn Dramatic Promotion to NPFL with Commanding Victories
The final game was filled with tension and emotion. Flying winger Abdulateef Yusuf gave Warri Wolves the lead in the 36th minute, slicing through Crown FC’s defence with pace and precision. However, the celebration was short-lived. Barely a minute later, an uncharacteristic mistake by goalkeeper Joke Emevwera gifted Crown FC’s Ibrahim Obanasa an equaliser.
But Warri Wolves showed their mettle again in the second half. In the 62nd minute, Igbunu Evwierhurhoma reacted quickest to a spilled free kick from the Crown goalkeeper, smashing home what turned out to be the match-winner and promotion-clincher.
Read Also: Olukoyede to Lawmakers: Criminalize Unexplained Wealth to Tackle Corruption Head-On
Elsewhere in Asaba, history was made by Kun Khalifat FC of Imo State. The privately owned club defeated Osun United 2-1 to secure their first-ever promotion to the NPFL, becoming the first private team from Imo to reach Nigeria’s top division.
With these results, Warri Wolves and Kun Khalifat join Wikki Tourists and Barau FC as the four promoted clubs from the 2024-25 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8. They will replace Akwa United, Heartland FC, Sunshine Stars, and Lobi Stars, who were relegated at the end of the just concluded NPFL season.
As the Super 8 draws to a thrilling end, Warri Wolves and Wikki Tourists will now face off in the championship decider to determine who lifts the NNL title at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.
For Warri Wolves, the road back to the elite division has not been smooth, but this moment is a testament to their persistence and vision. As the NPFL welcomes back the Seasiders, fans and stakeholders alike will be eager to see how they fare among Nigeria’s football giants next season.
Picture Credit: X
