Warri Wolves football club has emerged as the champion of the 2024/2025 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 playoffs after defeating Wikki Tourists FC 3-2 at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium in Asaba.
The match was a high-intensity encounter that saw Warri Wolves dictating the pace of the game with their possessive play and tactical approach.
Abdulateef Yusuf scored two goals in the 9th and 28th minutes, while his teammate added another goal in the 21st minute.
Wikki Tourists fought back, scoring two goals in the 31st minute of the first half and the 59th minute of the second half.
“We expected this victory because we were fully prepared.
“We know we will beat Wikki Tourists, and we did it so well today,” said Warri Wolves’ coach, Napoleon Aluma.
“If you look at our run in the regular season, no team defeated us, if not for the desperation in Ogbomosho, when the referee issued an unquestionable red card to my team.”
Wikki Tourists’ captain, Mohammed Idris, praised his team’s effort, saying, “The game was not an easy one as we had a poor start, but we gave Warri Wolves a good fight.”
However, Wikki Tourists’ supporters disputed the referee’s decision, claiming he didn’t allow enough additional time at the end of the game.
“The centre referee erred. He ought to allow additional time due to the many stoppages in the game,” said Hamid Garba, a Wikki Tourists supporter.
The match drew a large crowd and featured prominent attendees, including Delta State Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme and Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau.
