NNL Super 8: Warri Wolves, Wikki, Crown eye NPFL tickets

Actions resumed at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, for the second day of matches in the NNL Super 8 playoffs.

Clubs have all promised to live up to expectations and up their game to remain in contention to pick NPFL tickets.

In Group B, Kun Khalifat FC and Osun United began their quest for Nigeria Premier Football League qualification with vital wins over Crown FC and Warri Wolves, while all four teams in Group A are on a point each after two goalless draws in their opening fixtures.

YOBE DESERT STARS VS DOMA UNITED

Yobe Desert Stars versus Doma United will kickstart Monday’s fixtures at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba. Both teams were held to a draw in their first games on Saturday against Barau FC and Wikki Tourists in that order.

Yobe Desert Stars missed begging chances against Barau FC that could have been enough for them to seal all points, and against Doma United, they cannot afford to be wasteful again on Monday if they are to realise their desire to return to the top flight for the first time since 2019.

Doma United got demoted mysteriously last season and their qualification to the Super 8 showed their determination to return to the elite division at the first time of asking. A win over Yobe Desert Stars will boost their chances.

BARAU FC VS WIKKI TOURISTS

Barau FC were fortunate to escape with a point against Yobe Desert Stars on Saturday, and against Wikki Tourists, they will be up against another side that spurned several goal-scoring opportunities against Doma United.

The Kano-based side must up their game against a ball-playing Wikki Tourists if they have not come to Asaba on a jamboree.

Wikki Tourists, for their part, with Abdu Maikaba as the head coach, must play with more urgency and strive to shoot from outside the 18-yard box more often on Monday against Barau FC if they are to boost their chances of getting closer to NPFL return since their demotion in 2023.

KUN KHALIFAT VS WARRI WOLVES

Kun Khalifat’s rise to prominence has been amazing; from their promotion to the NNL last season and having qualified for the NNL Super 8 on the first time of asking, they have a great chance to affirm their NPFL status with a positive result against wounded Warri Wolves.

Chijioke Ahiake’s 7th-minute goal was enough to scale Crown FC on Saturday, but it was not handed on a platter of gold. They were run ragged by Crown FC, who were unlucky as Kun Khalifat held to the lone goal.

Warri Wolves are desperate to bounce back after the shock defeat to a very tactical and disciplined Osun United side last weekend. Anything other than a win could mean bad news for the Seasiders against Kun Khalifat who would be energised to go all out knowing they have three points at hand already.

CROWN FC VS OSUN UNITED

The South West derby between Crown FC versus Osun United will be the final game of Monday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

These two teams are seeking a return to the NPFL since 2014 and 2008, respectively, and for both teams, this is more than a derby fixture; it is a battle for supremacy.

Crown FC with Ayodeji Ayeni in the driver’s seat, were unlucky to lose to Kun Khalifat but they have themselves to blame in the game for having missed several gilt-edge chances they created. They are up against Osun United with three points already and under no pressure to go full throttle. It is their final chance to stage a comeback.

Osun United surprised themselves with the three points against Warri Wolves, who were the favourites to seal all points last weekend. They can end their 17-year wait for a top-flight return with the maximum points against the Ajilete Warriors on Monday.

The four games promise to be another set of top-drawer fixtures, with the teams with the most passion for success favoured to carry the day.

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