Promotion Permutations: Which Clubs Pick Four NPFL Tickets From Super 8 Playoffs?

Promotion Permutations: Which Clubs Pick Four NPFL Tickets From Super 8 Playoffs?

By Niyi Busari 

As the 2025 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 playoffs head into the final matchday, the race for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is wide open, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

With two promotion spots available in each group, all eight teams remain in contention—setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.

Group A: Desert Yobe Stars Lead, but the Battle Remains Fierce

Current Standings (After Two Games):

1. Desert Yobe Stars – 4 pts

2. Wikki Tourists – 2 pts

3. Barau FC – 2 pts

4. Doma United – 1 pt

Permutations:

Desert Yobe Stars control their own fate. A win or draw against Doma United guarantees promotion. However, a loss could see them overtaken, especially if Wikki Tourists or Barau FC secure decisive victories.

Wikki Tourists and Barau FC both need wins in their final matches to have a clear path to qualification. A draw might not suffice unless the Desert Yobe vs. Doma match ends in a low-scoring draw.

Doma United, with just a single point, must defeat Desert Yobe Stars and hope for a favorable result in the Barau vs. Wikki clash to stand any chance of sneaking into the top two.

Group B: All Four Teams in the Mix as Final Day Looms

Current Standings (After Two Games):

1. Osun United – 4 pts

2. Warri Wolves – 3 pts

3. Crown FC – 2 pts

4. Kun Khalifat – 1 pt

Permutations:

Osun United are in pole position and need just a draw against Kun Khalifat to confirm promotion. A win will see them top the group, but a defeat could spell elimination depending on the result of the other match.

Warri Wolves, buoyed by a commanding 3-0 victory over Kun Khalifat, will also qualify with a win. A draw may be sufficient if Crown FC fails to win.

Crown FC must beat Warri Wolves to keep their promotion hopes alive. A draw would only work if Osun United beat Kun Khalifat.

Kun Khalifat, currently bottom of the group, still have a slim chance. They must defeat Osun United and hope the other match ends in a draw or is settled by a narrow margin.

Final Day Fixtures to Watch

Group A:

Desert Yobe Stars vs Doma United

Barau FC vs Wikki Tourists

Group B:

Osun United vs Kun Khalifat

Warri Wolves vs Crown FC

The Super 8 playoffs have been a showcase of tactical discipline, particularly in Group A, where goals have been hard to come by. With everything still at stake, Nigerian football fans are in for a dramatic finish.