Four Clubs Earn Promotion to Nigeria’s Top Football League
Four football clubs have secured promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for the 2025/26 season. Wikki Tourist, Barau FC, Warri Wolves, and Kun Khalifat FC earned their spots in Nigeria’s premier football division.
The promotion marks a historic shift in the NPFL’s composition. Two privately-owned clubs, Barau FC and Kun Khalifat FC, will join the top tier for the first time. This development signals growing private investment in Nigerian football.
Warri Wolves returns to the NPFL after previous relegation. The Delta State-based club previously competed in Nigeria’s top flight before dropping to lower divisions. Their promotion represents a successful comeback campaign.
Wikki Tourist also secured their place among Nigeria’s elite football clubs. The four promoted teams will compete alongside established NPFL sides in the upcoming season.
The inclusion of privately-owned clubs could reshape the league’s competitive landscape. Private ownership typically brings increased financial resources and professional management structures. This trend may influence other clubs to seek private investment.
The 2025/26 NPFL season will feature enhanced competition with these new additions. Each promoted club demonstrated strong performance in lower divisions to earn advancement. Their success reflects improved standards across Nigerian football’s developmental tiers.
The league expansion continues Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen domestic football infrastructure and attract broader investment in the sport.
