Delta State’s Warri Wolves Football Club has sealed its long-awaited return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Crown FC in their final Group B match of the NNL Super 8 play-offs, held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

The crucial win capped a thrilling turnaround for the Seasiders, who had stumbled in their opening match with a 1-0 defeat to Osun United but bounced back with a commanding 3-0 win over Kun Khalifat on Monday. With promotion on the line, Warri Wolves delivered under pressure to book their place in Nigeria’s top-flight league for the first time since 2021.

Despite heavy rainfall in Asaba, the match was fiercely contested. Warri Wolves’ flying forward, Abdulateef Yusuf, broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, continuing his impressive form and tormenting the Crown FC defence. However, the celebration was short-lived as a rare error from Wolves’ dependable goalkeeper, Joke Emevwera, gifted Ibrahim Obanasa the equaliser barely a minute later.

The decisive moment came in the 62nd minute when Igbunu Evwierhurhoma capitalised on a goalkeeping spill by Crown FC’s Mubarak Sultan to slot home the winner, sparking wild celebrations among the Wolves’ supporters and bench.

Speaking after the match, Warri Wolves’ Head Coach, Napoleon Aluma, expressed gratitude to his players and praised their resilience and unity throughout the campaign.

“I had so much confidence in my team. Despite the error from my goalkeeper—who has been one of the best throughout the regular season—we stayed focused and got the win,” Aluma said.

He credited the team’s determination, which he said began on November 7 last year, as the driving force behind their promotion.

“I dedicate this promotion to our sports-loving Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his fatherly support, and to the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Hon. Onoriode Oborevwori, and his entire team. Their support from day one made this dream possible.”

Looking ahead to the NNL Super 8 final against Wikki Tourists, Aluma said the game offers a chance for revenge and to end the tournament on a high note.

“We know Wikki very well. They beat us in Abuja, but the final is a chance to correct that. I believe it will be a different game.”

Warri Wolves will now face Group A leaders, Wikki Tourists, in the grand finale to determine the overall champions of the 2024/2025 Nigeria National League.

Following this development, Warri Wolves, Kun Khalifat, Wikki Tourists, and Barau FC have all secured promotion to the NPFL for the 2025/2026 season. (The Guardian)