By: Chinedum Ohanusi
Warri Wolves FC have been crowned Champions of the 2024/2025 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, after a pulsating 3-2 defeat of Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, on Saturday afternoon.
Wolves who have been campaigning in the nation’s second tier league for five seasons now, raced to a three-goal lead in the opening 25 minutes, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, in Asaba with goals from Lateef Yusuf (7th min), Ogbunu Evwierhurhoma (18th min), and Efe Yarhere (25th min).
But the Tourists from Bauchi responded through Mamudu Aliyu (10 minutes from halftime); before Wonderson Baba scored on the hour mark to further narrow the scoreline; paving the way for the 2025 NNL Promotional playoffs, played in Asaba and Ozoro, to end fittingly.
To qualify for the finalé, which pits the winners of the Northern Conference (Wikki Tourists), against champions of the Southern Conference of the NNL (Warri Wolves); both sides topped their respective groups, albeit on goals difference.
The duo had on Thursday sealed their return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), alongside new kids on the block, Barau FC of Kano, and Kun Kalifat FC of Owerri.
The title decider in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, was graced by the Delta State Deputy Governor Monday Onyema, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ibrahim Gusau; Chairman of the NNL George Aluo, and coaches or scouts of the NPFL sides, due to represent Nigeria, in next season’s CAF Inter-Club Championships.
