The 2025 NNL Super 8 got underway on Saturday with tightly contested encounters, as Osun United and Kun Khalifa FC emerged as early pacesetters following hard-earned 1-0 victories in their respective opening matches, Ireport247news reports.
Osun United claimed a gritty 1-0 win over Warri Wolves in a match defined by disciplined defending and a moment of quality in front of goal. Kun Khalifa also kicked off their campaign on a winning note, narrowly edging Crown FC 1-0 in a cagey contest that saw few clear chances.
Earlier in the day, both opening fixtures in the Northern Conference group — Barau FC vs. Yobe Desert Stars and Wikki Tourists vs. Doma United — ended in goalless draws, with all four teams earning a point apiece. Despite the lack of goals, both matches featured moments of end-to-end action, solid goalkeeping, and a few missed opportunities that could have tilted the results.
Matchday One Summary:
Osun United 1–0 Warri Wolves: A resolute performance from Osun United saw them bag all three points thanks to a first-half goal and solid defensive organisation.
Kun Khalifa 1–0 Crown FC: Kun Khalifa converted one of their few chances to edge a spirited but wasteful Crown FC, who now sit at the bottom of their group.
Barau FC 0–0 Yobe Desert Stars: A tightly contested affair with few real opportunities, as both sides settled for a share of the spoils.
Wikki Tourists 0–0 Doma United: In a fixture rich in midfield battles, neither side managed to find the cutting edge in the final third.
What’s at Stake?
The NNL Super 8 serves as the final promotion playoff for clubs vying to earn a place in the elite Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The stakes are high, with only the top two teams from each group advancing to the finals, and ultimately secure top-flight football for the 2025/26 season.
Upcoming Fixtures – Matchday Two (Monday):
Yobe Desert Stars vs. Doma United – 9:00 a.m. Barau FC vs. Wikki Tourists – 11:30 a.m. Kun Khalifa vs. Warri Wolves – 2:00 p.m. Crown FC vs. Osun United – 4:00 p.m.
Crown FC, still in search of their first points, face a must-win situation against a confident Osun United side. Meanwhile, Kun Khalifa will look to maintain their perfect start when they face a wounded Warri Wolves team seeking redemption.