Barau FC has arrived in Asaba, Delta State, ahead of the Nigeria National League’s Super Eight promotion playoffs. The Maliya Boys landed on Wednesday, accompanied by 32 players, 15 officials and coaching staff, all focused on securing one of four coveted spots in the Nigeria Premier Football League for the 2025/26 season.
The Super Eight tournament will unfold at Stephen Keshi Stadium from 5 to 12 July 2025, featuring top clubs from across the nation. The eight participating sides represent northern and southern conferences Warri Wolves, Osun United, Crown FC and Kun Khalifa FC from the south alongside Wikki Tourists, Yobe Desert Stars, Doma United and Barau FC from the north. These clubs will not only vie for promotion but also compete for the title of NNL champions.
Delta State’s governor, Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori, has formally approved and thrown support behind Asaba’s hosting of the tournament, investing in the region’s sporting development. NNL chairman George Aluo has promised fans an action-packed week of competition, stating that there will be “no dull moment’’ and emphasising smooth logistics for a successful event.
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Editorial
We are witnessing a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s football calendar as the NNL Super Eight finals loom in Asaba. The arrival of Barau FC, amid a delegation of players and officials, exemplifies the club’s determination to break into the top-flight a milestone they’ve long pursued.
The selection of Stephen Keshi Stadium as the battleground once again highlights Delta State’s growing reputation as a football hub. Thanks to Governor Oborevwori’s backing, Asaba is set to be a vibrant centre for football, reinforcing the role of state support in the success of national competitions.
While the event promises sporting drama, the stakes go beyond the pitch. For teams like Barau FC, promotion to the NPFL is not just an achievement it’s a gateway to increased funding, exposure and development. Clubs from both conferences have trained hard, aware that four golden tickets await the most resilient and organised.
We believe this week will showcase not only individual talent but also collective ambition. With proper management, infrastructure and support, the Super Eight can model how second-tier football can thrive in Nigeria. We stand with every club stepping onto that pitch, confident that this is the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s football evolution. That belief starts now, in Asaba.
Did You Know?
- Barau FC earned their Super Eight spot by finishing second in Northern Conference C with 19 points from 12 matches.
- Ahead of the playoffs, Barau FC players received a ₦2 million cash bonus from club owner Senator Barau I. Jibrin.
- Stephen Keshi Stadium has hosted NNL Super Eight playoffs before; last year’s finals were held at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
- The Nigeria National League encompasses 46 teams and promotes four teams each season via the Super Four/Super Eight tournaments.
- Beyond Limits FA were the reigning NNL champions, having gained promotion in 2024 before being disqualified from the NPFL due to ownership technicalities.
