Osun United Chair Ololade Eyes Super 8 Spot in Southern Conference

Osun United chairman Ololade has described the Southern Conference NNL Super 8 promotion play‑offs as a "wide‑open" contest following his club’s qualification for next month’s finals in Asaba. The Omoluabi Giants secured their place with a convincing 3–1 victory over First Bank FC, finishing second in Group B with 36 points from 20 matches.

Ololade pointed out that the four Super 8 participants from the conference  Osun United, Kun Khalifat, Crown FC and Warri Wolves  each stand a real chance of securing one of the two promotion slots to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

He expressed confidence that his side’s consistent performance this season positions them well for the challenge ahead, noting the closeness of form among the finalist teams. Osun United will face Crown FC, Kun Khalifat and Warri Wolves in the play‑offs scheduled from 5 to 8 July at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

Ololade also praised coach Seye Ajayi’s leadership, citing stability and team cohesion as key factors that have sustained their good run. He highlighted that the club’s rapid rise  from amateur status to play‑off contenders  reflects sound planning and strategic investment.

Editorial

We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in second‑tier Nigerian football. The fact that four teams from the Southern Conference have earned their shot at promotion is testament to both the passion fueling regional leagues and the depth of talent now evident across the country. We believe Osun United’s journey is particularly inspiring an example of what can be achieved with clarity of vision and organisational discipline.

We note that Osun United’s chairman, Ololade, is right in describing this Super 8 as "wide‑open". All four teams possess strengths that make them contenders, and such balance can drive performance up, keeping players, fans and sponsors engaged.

We also see coach Ajayi’s influence as vital. His emphasis on consistency, unity and steady progression from roots to play‑off challenge demonstrates the blueprint for clubs seeking promotion build together, play together, succeed together.

We stand behind all clubs fighting for NPFL elevation the competitiveness of the Super 8 is exactly the kind of tournament that sharpens squads and excites supporters. We echo Ololade’s optimism there is no clear favourite, only teams willing to seize opportunity.

That spirit of chance is precisely what is needed now, and we must continue to support it at every turn.

Did You Know?

1. The Nigeria National League (NNL) has operated since 1979 and was reorganised in 1991, now comprising 46 clubs across two conferences.
   


2. Only four teams qualify for NPFL promotion via the Super 8 Play‑offs—two each from the Northern and Southern Conferences.
   


3. Osun United was originally formed as Prime FC in 1996 and renamed in 2017 to enhance its regional identity.
   


4. Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, the play‑off venue, was named after Nigeria’s only coach to win the AFCON as both player and manager.
   


5. Dolphin FC/Eagle Cement holds the record as the most successful club in NNL history, with three league titles to their name.