NNL Super 8: Kun Khalifat and Osun United Win to Take Early Lead in Southern Conference
Kun Khalifat FC and Osun United both started their Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 campaigns with big wins on Saturday, taking early control in the Southern Conference and boosting their hopes of promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
At the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Ahiaeke Chijioke was the star for Kun Khalifat, scoring a 6th-minute penalty to secure a 1-0 win over Crown FC in the first Southern Conference match. The penalty was awarded after the Crown FC goalkeeper fouled a Kun Khalifat attacker inside the box. Chijioke calmly slotted it in, giving his side the lead.
Kun Khalifat, making their debut in the Super 8, showed strong discipline in defence throughout the match. Crown FC pushed for an equaliser but were unable to break through a well-organised backline. The win not only made Kun Khalifat the first team to score in this year’s playoffs, but also gave them a vital three points in the race for promotion.
Later in the day, Osun United shocked tournament hosts Warri Wolves with a hard-fought 1-0 victory, thanks to a first-half goal from Odeyemi Ebenezer. Many had tipped Warri Wolves as favourites, especially playing on home soil, but Osun United had other plans.
Abraham took advantage of a defensive error to score the winner, while Osun United defended bravely to keep the Wolves out. The result means Osun United join Kun Khalifat on three points at the top of the Southern Conference.
The pressure is now on Warri Wolves and Crown FC, who both need wins on Matchday 2 to stay in the promotion race. Warri Wolves will face Kun Khalifat in a crucial clash, while Crown FC take on Osun United.
Matchday 1 Results – Saturday, July 5, 2025:
-
Wikki Tourists 0-0 Doma United
-
Kun Khalifat FC 1-0 Crown FC (Ahiaeke Chijioke, 6’ pen)
-
Osun United 1-0 Warri Wolves (Odeyemi Ebenezer, 1st half)
Matchday 2 Fixtures – Monday, July 7, 2025:
-
Yobe Desert Stars vs Doma United – 9:00 AM
-
Barau FC vs Wikki Tourists – 11:30 AM
-
Kun Khalifat FC vs Warri Wolves – 2:00 PM
-
Crown FC vs Osun United – 4:00 PM
Southern Conference Table (After Matchday 1):
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kun Khalifat FC | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Osun United | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Crown FC | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Warri Wolves | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
With two promotion spots available in each conference, the race is just getting started—but Kun Khalifat and Osun United have made the perfect start.
