There are strong indications that no fewer than three clubs recently relegated to the NNL at the end of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season are plotting a swift return to the domestic top flight—without kicking a single ball in the second-tier league, CompleteSports.com reports.
Investigations by CompleteSports.com reveal that the clubs (names withheld) are lobbying for a quick return to the Nigeria Glamour League by attempting to acquire the league positions of Nigeria National League (NNL) teams set to compete in the upcoming playoffs.
Eight teams are slated for the NNL playoffs. Four teams—two each from the Southern Conference and the Northern Conference—will gain promotion to the NPFL.
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In Conference A, Warri Wolves and Crown FC of Ogbomoso finished top and will battle for one of the two NPFL promotion tickets allocated to the Southern Conference against Conference B leaders, Kun Khalifat of Owerri and Osun United.
Wikki Tourists and Barau FC (from Conference C), alongside Yobe Desert Stars and Doma United (from Conference D), will contest for the two NPFL tickets at stake for the Northern Conference teams at the Super 8 Playoffs.
The relegated NPFL clubs are reportedly making overtures to these NNL playoff teams, hoping to buy over their NPFL slots if they secure promotion.
“The 2024/2025 season-ending playoffs for the second-tier league, NNL, will be very tough this time,” said a source deeply familiar with behind-the-scenes manoeuvrings.
“This is because huge financial influence and vested interests are coming into play, especially from relegated NPFL clubs.
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“Their names? No—for security reasons, I can’t mention them. But these are teams backed by state governments. They are already in talks with some NNL clubs taking part in the playoffs, aiming to take over their NPFL slots if they win promotion.
“So, the strategy is to bounce back into the NPFL by acquiring the spots of successful NNL playoff teams.”
Sunshine Stars, Akwa United, and Heartland are the three relegated NPFL teams from the South, while Lobi Stars of Makurdi from the North, were also relegated
By Sab Osuji
