Osun United join seven others in NPFL promotion battle

Osun United became the last team to qualify for the 2024-25 Nigeria National League playoffs following a comfortable 3-1 win over First Bank on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.

The Omoluabi Giants, who were in a great position to pick the slot ahead of Rovers FC of Calabar, cruised to yet another home win to book their place in the season-ending event of the second division.

Before the final round of matches in the Southern Conference B on Saturday, Crown FC, Kun Khalifat, Doma FC, Barau FC, Wikki Tourists, Yobe Desert Stars, and Warri Wolves had picked up their tickets to the promotion playoffs, leaving the final slot to be contested by Osun United and Rovers FC.

Against already safe First Bank in Ile Ogbo, Osun United flew out of the blocks early and went in front in the second minute. Nurudeen Gberefun stepped up to convert a penalty decision that went the home side’s way. Emmanuel Essien, who won the penalty for the first goal, scored in the sixth minute to double the hosts’ lead.

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The playoff ticket was going to be Osun United’s own when Nurudeen Gberefun completed his brace in the 76th minute. The visitors managed to get a consolation, but the win and playoff ticket were already in the kitty for the Omoluabi Giants.

In the other game between Rovers and Solution FC, the visitors claimed a 3-1 win in Calabar. Other results on the final day saw Godswill Akpabio United beat the drop with a thumping 3-0 win over relegating Gateway United, while Madiba, who reached the playoffs last year, lost 4-1 in Lagos to Federation Cup finalists Abakaliki FC – as both teams went down to the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO).

With the cast of teams vying for the four Nigeria Premier Football League spots now complete, the NNL body is expected to announce a date and venue for the promotion playoffs ahead of the 2025-26 top-flight season.