Fear has gripped top officials of the Delta Sports Commission and the state's football association following the poor position of Warri Wolves FC in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). The Seasiders currently sit in the relegation zone in 17th place with 43 points and a goal difference of minus six, having won only 11 of 35 matches this season.
Warri Wolves FC gained promotion to the elite division at the end of last season, finishing top during the Super Eight playoff in Asaba. The club will host ninth-placed Plateau United this weekend, and anything short of victory might end their hopes of remaining in the top division next year. They have an away fixture against Kano Pillars next week before hosting title hopefuls Abia Warriors in their last game of the season.
A top official, who spoke with The Guardian, said: “It is so sad that Warri Wolves is struggling to escape relegation despite all the huge financial resources the government has spent on the club this season. I am an insider, and I can tell you that Warri Wolves FC is among the top clubs in Nigeria, with players and coaches on a huge salary scale. I don’t know where the problem is coming from.”
According to the official, the most worrisome aspect is the effort being made by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to complete the Warri City Stadium. “At the beginning of the season, the Warri Wolves FC recruited some quality players and placed them on the top salary level. At first, the club gave us false hope, and we thought they could even win a continental ticket. The chairman of the sports commission is doing his best by ensuring every request by the team is attended to on time. Our Governor even increased his efforts to ensure the completion of the Warri City Stadium by September this year. It will be so sad for Warri Wolves to be relegated to the lower division (NNL) at the end of this season. I know how much it cost the state government to bring the club from the NNL last year,” the official lamented.
The Guardian recalls that Warri Wolves FC has experienced coaching instability this season, with former head coach Napoleon Aluma suspended in September 2025 following a poor run of results, including a home loss to Shooting Stars. His assistant coach, Johnny Austin, took over temporarily, while former NPFL coach Kennedy Boboye was brought in to replace Aluma.
Meanwhile, Delta Queens FC are struggling to survive in the women’s league. The club, which used to be a regular face in the women’s top table, are already out of contention for the Super Six ticket this season.
