Kun Khalifat FC Assistant Coach, Ikechukwu Okereke, has exclusively expressed to Completesports.com his confidence in his team’s readiness and ability to clinch one of the two available promotion tickets to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) during the upcoming playoffs scheduled to take place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.
The Nigeria National League (NNL), organisers of the promotion playoffs, have fixed July 5 to 8 as the dates for the crucial matches.
Four teams—Kun Khalifat, Warri Wolves, Osun United and Crown FC—qualified for the playoffs from the Southern Conference Groups A and B. The top two teams, after the round-robin playoffs, will secure promotion to the 2025/2026 NPFL season.
Also Read: Friendly: Nnadozie Shines As Super Falcons, Portugal Settle For 0-0 Draw
The same format applies to the Northern Conference Groups C and D, which feature Doma United, Wikki Tourists, Yobe Desert Stars and Barau FC.
Okereke, a former Papilo FC gaffer, who currently assists Obinna Uzoho at Kun Khalifat FC spoke to Completesports.com on Sunday, reaffirming his belief in the Owerri side’s chances of sealing one of the two Southern Conference promotion slots.
“First and foremost, I must thank God for taking us this far in the 2024/2025 NNL season,” began the soft-spoken coach.
“Without Him, we wouldn’t have been able to reach this stage. All glory goes to Him.
“It wasn’t an easy or smooth journey getting to this point. The regular NNL season was tough—really tough. But God, in His infinite mercy, saw us through.
Also Read: ‘An Unstoppable Rise’ — CAF Celebrates Oshoala Ahead WAFCON 2024
“Talking about the promotion playoffs, I would say we’re ready. We’re well prepared and just waiting for the kick-off.
“No doubt, it’s going to be a much more difficult challenge. It’s a fight among the strongest teams in the NNL this season. So it’s going to be tough.
“We’re focused on the showdown in Asaba. The players are mentally alert and fully committed. I’m very confident in their potential and capabilities. They delivered during the regular season—they can do it again.
“Our target is clear: a place in the NPFL. We’ve worked very hard for it, and I believe we can achieve it—even in Asaba,” Okereke concluded.
By Sab Osuji
