The 2025 Nigeria National League Super 8 playoffs kicked off at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, on Saturday, with Osun United and Kun Khalifa FC both recording victories on the opening day.
In the Southern Conference zone, Kun Khalifat FC began their bid to gain promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League in style, as they defeated Crown FC of Ogbomoso 1-0. The only goal of the encounter came through the boots of Ahiaeke Chijioke, who struck the first goal of the playoffs as early as the seventh minute after he took full advantage of a defensive lapse in concentration to slot home.
The Oyo-based side attempted to respond in a bid to salvage something from the fixture, but were held back by a resolute and determined Khalifa backline who stayed resilient until the final whistle. In the other Southern Conference fixture involving Warri Wolves and Osun United, it finished with Osun United edging the tie 1-0. 33-year-old Ebenezer Odeyemi scored the only goal of the game in first-half stoppage time to hand his side all three points, which sees them level with Kun Khalifa at the summit of the standings.
Elsewhere in the Northern Conference, action on day one saw Barau FC battle to a 0-0 draw with Yobe Desert Stars. Barau enjoyed large spells of possession but could not convert them into much-needed goals, although Yobe looked dangerous on the counter, they lacked quality in the final third.
The second game in the Northern Conference also went the way of the first, with Doma United FC and Wikki Tourists FC playing out another drab goalless draw. For the entire duration of the clash, both teams exercised caution so as not to concede, but were abysmal in creating goalscoring opportunities. As it stands, Group A sees Barau FC, Yobe Desert Stars, Doma United and Wikki Tourists are all tied with one point each on the table.
Ahead of matchday two of the NNL Super 8 playoffs, there is a lot to play for in the Northern Conference division, with a win set to propel any team to the top spot. As for the Southern Conference division, Crown FC and Warri Wolves are locked in a must-win scenario if they hope to achieve their promotion ambitions into the elite tier of Nigerian club football.
