NNL Super 8: Warri Wolves secures promotion, Back To NPFL after four Years off
By: Julian Ajunwa
Delta state’s Warri Wolves secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), after they beat Crown FC 2-1 at the iconic Stephen Keshi stadium, Asaba.
Wolves who needed a win to book their ticket to the NPFL had earlier lost 1-0 to Osun United in their first game, but bounced back in emphatic fashion after smashing Kun Khalifat 3-0 in their second game on Monday.
Despite heavy rainfall in Asaba, Flying forward, Abdulateef Yusuf who had been a torn in the flesh of the Crown FC side scored the opening goal in the 36th minute to put the seasiders ahead.
The lead lasted barely one minute as an error from the reliable goalkeeper, Joke Emevwera handed Ibrahim Obanasa the opportunity to restore parity for Crown FC.
Igbunu Evwierhurhoma scored the winner in the 62nd minute after he pounced on a free kick spilled by the Crown FC goalkeeper, Mubarak Sultan.
Speaking to journalists after the game, Head coach of Warri wolves, Napoleon Aluma thanked his players who ensured promotion to the NPFL next season.
”I had so much confidence in my team, despite of the error from my goalkeeper who was one of the best in the regular season, we were able to still win the gamegame, Aluma said.
”The unity of purpose among us helped us alot, we were determined from November 7th last year when this journey started to achieve promotion to the NPFL, and we have done it.
Aluma further dedicated the promotion to the Delta State Governor, the Sports commission Chairman and the good people of Delta State.
”I dedicate this promotion firstly to the Sports loving Governor of Delta state, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his fatherly role, and also thank the chairman of the Delta State sports commission, Hon. Onoriode Oborevwori and his team, for all the support right from the start till the very end.
On plans ahead of the finals against Wikki Tourists.
”We know Wikki very well, we lost to them before in Abuja, they are a good team, but the finals will be a perfect opportunity to rewrite the wrongs of that game and am confident the game would be different.
The finals to decide the Nigeria National League champions for the 2024-2025 season will see Warri Wolves come face to face against Group A winners, Wikki Tourists.
Meanwhile, Warri Wolves, Kun Khalifat, Wikki Tourists and Barau FC have all qualified to the NPFL for the 20256-2026 season.
