Warri Wolves has emerged the Nigeria National League (NNL) champions for the 2024-2025 season after a 3-2 win over Wikki Tourist in the Super 8 finals Saturday at the iconic Stephen Keshi International stadium, Asaba.
The game which featured the winners of the Group A (Wikki) and winners of Group B (Wolves) was to crown the overall winners of the NNL for the 2024-2025 season.
The Seasiders as they are fondly called started on the front foot and were deservedly ahead in the 7th minute through Abdulateef Yusuf. Abdulateef then turned provider for Igbunu Evwierhurhoma to double the lead in the 19th minute.
Wolves went three goals up after the exciting forward Abdulateef teed up Shemaye to score the third goal in the 26th minute to send the fans into raptures at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.
Wikki Tourists persistence paid off in the 34th minute when Mahmood Aliyu scored to reduce the deficit for the Bauchi based team.
Wikki started the second half with intent and with a sweeping move down the right hand side, striker Wonderson Yakubu dinked the ball over goalkeeper to give his team a lifeline of what would have been a memorable comeback. That goal would prove to be the last, as Wolves defended stoutly to see out the game 3-2 in what was a very entertaining encounter.
Speaking to Sporting Tribune after the game, Head coach of Warri wolves, Napoleon Aluma paid tribute to his players for their outstanding performance throughout the season.
”I believed in the ability of my players, Wikki are a good team, we had to beat them to avenge that painful loss in the federations cup, and thankfully, we did it.
”During the regular season, it was difficult for any team to beat us, except for the last game against Crown FC in Ogbomosho, and we got our revenge in the last game.
”We worked hard all season to get to where we are today, and all I can say is thank you to the Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Hon. Onoriode Oborevwori and his team for the support and believe in us.” People should watch out for Warri Wolves in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) next seson,” Aluma concluded.
Meanwhile, the captain of Wikki Tourists, Mohammed Idris praised the players for the effort.
He said, ”It was not an easy game, we didn’t start well, we conceded three silly goals and it was difficult for us to recover from then. We knew it would be tough because we have beaten them before, also, playing at home gave them an advantage, it’s not an excuse, because we prepared well for the game, but it just wasn’t our day.”
Aside from lifting the trophy, the champions were awarded a cash prize of ₦5million naira for their outstanding performance throughout the season.
Warri Wolves, Kun Khalifat, Wikki Tourists and Barau FC have all qualified to play in the NPFL for the 2025-2026 season which starts on August 22, 2025.
Bournemouth are currently eighth in the Premier League following Saturday's win at Newcastle....
"We're all very clear on what we need to do, what we want to do…
The France centre-back's current deal expires this summer, five years after he joined from RB…
The police detained around 100 people, and while it was not immediately clear whether any…
The Nigerian, also known as “The Ruler,” showed resilience early on as both men tested…
In the Southern Conference, Sporting Lagos and Inter Lagos have secured tickets to the elite…
This website uses cookies.