The race for the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super Eight intensified over the weekend, with Wikki Tourists of Bauchi and Barau FC of Kano joining Yobe Desert Stars and Doma United in securing their places in the season-ending tournament.
Wikki Tourists confirmed their qualification in emphatic style on Sunday with a commanding 4-1 win over Zamfara United at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi. Under the guidance of coach Abdullahi Maikaba, the Elephants topped Conference C after 14 matches, finishing with 23 points and a remarkable +11 goal difference.
Barau FC, in their debut NNL season, earned a historic Super Eight spot by finishing second in Conference C. The Kano-based club held Mighty Jets of Jos to a goalless draw at the New Jos Stadium, securing 19 points with a +4 goal difference.
For Zamfara United, however, the weekend brought heartbreak. Their heavy loss to Wikki, coupled with Jigawa Golden Stars’ narrow 1-0 win over Sokoto United, resulted in relegation. The crucial three points lifted Jigawa out of danger, while Zamfara slipped into the relegation zone.
With two more Super Eight spots taken, the battle for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League heats up as the NNL season nears its climax.
Earlier on Saturday, Yobe Desert Stars of Damaturu and Doma United FC of Gombe also clinched Super Eight qualification. Yobe secured their place with a hard-fought 1-0 home win against Basira, finishing top of Conference D with 20 points. Doma United, who were on standby this week, secured second place with 19 points.
Kebbi United missed out narrowly despite a spirited effort, including a 2-1 away win over Sporting Supreme. Their 18-point tally was not enough to break into the top two.
Meanwhile, newly promoted Kada Stars of Kaduna avoided relegation with a crucial 2-1 home win over Adamawa United in a dramatic winner-takes-all clash.
Credit: NNL MEDIA
