As the Nigeria National League (NNL) gears up for the highly anticipated end-of-season playoffs—famously known as the Super Eight—attention has turned to the masterminds behind the teams that secured the coveted promotion tickets. From tactical brilliance to inspirational leadership, these coaches have carved a path for their clubs to compete for a place in the elite Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

 

We begin this feature series with a spotlight on Conferences C and D, which produced four Super Eight contenders. Representing these conferences are:

• Coach Abdul Maikaba of Wikki Tourists FC, Bauchi

• Coach Rabiu Tata of Barau FC, Kano

• Coach Ibrahim Sani of Yobe Desert Stars, Damaturu

• Coach Akinade Onigbinde of Doma United FC, Gombe

Coach Abdul Maikaba – Wikki Tourists FC, Bauchi

Leading the list is the widely respected Coach Abdul Maikaba, a seasoned tactician with an illustrious career spanning several top Nigerian clubs. The 60-year-old gaffer is an NFF/CAF C licensed coach and a certified instructor, bringing technical depth and strategic finesse to Wikki Tourists.

With past managerial spells at FC Abuja, Enugu Rangers International, Akwa United, and Kano Pillars, Maikaba has tasted success at the highest levels, including lifting the FA Cup and the NPFL. His return to Wikki Tourists is driven by one clear mission: to reclaim a spot in the NPFL. Under his watchful eyes, Wikki sealed a deserved Super Eight ticket, setting the stage for a fierce promotion campaign.

Coach Rabiu Tata – Barau FC, Kano

In what is perhaps the fairytale story of the season, Coach Rabiu Tata has orchestrated a stunning rise for Barau FC, a newly-formed, privately-owned club based in Kano. Taking over from veteran coach Salisu Yusuf, Tata has been a revelation.

 

At 52, Tata—nicknamed “The Elephant”—has quietly built a solid coaching resume with past roles at Jigawa Golden Stars, Kebbi United, Shekarau FC, and Malumfashi FC. His calm demeanor, tactical awareness, and deep experience have made Barau FC one of the surprise packages of the 2024/25 NNL season.

Their qualification for the Super Eight marks a remarkable achievement for both club and coach. Tata’s focus and humility have earned admiration league-wide—he’s undoubtedly one to keep an eye on as the playoffs unfold.

Coach Ibrahim Mohammed Sani – Yobe Desert Stars

Affectionately called “Sallau Naira”, Coach Ibrahim Sani has masterminded Yobe Desert Stars’ inspiring journey to the Super Eight. At 41, he combines youthful energy with strategic maturity, and his career continues to gain momentum.

A former player of the club himself, Sani holds a Nigerian Institute of Sports coaching license and has made a seamless transition from playing to coaching. He previously helped Yobe Desert Stars gain promotion to the NPFL as a player—and now, as a coach, he’s on the cusp of repeating that feat.

Gritty, fearless, and unafraid of taking risks, Coach Sani has drawn comparisons to the likes of Emerse Faé for his tactical acumen and motivational flair.

Coach Akinade Onigbinde – Doma United FC, Gombe

From near relegation to a strong Super Eight charge, Coach Akinade Onigbinde has engineered a stunning turnaround at Doma United FC. The 56-year-old veteran from Oyo State brings decades of coaching experience and a reputation for discipline and resilience.

Having coached Kwali FC, Sat FC of Lagos, and Road Safety FRSC FC, Onigbinde rose to national recognition after winning the AITEO Cup Coach Award for Consistency. Despite last season’s relegation scare, he stayed the course with Doma United, rebuilding the squad and instilling belief.

Now with a Super Eight ticket in hand, Onigbinde is focused on guiding Doma back to the NPFL—a testament to his perseverance and tactical know-how.

The NNL Super Eight promises high-stakes drama, and these coaches from Conferences C and D are ready to write new chapters in their footballing journeys. In the next part of this series, we’ll turn our attention to the tacticians representing Conferences A and B, who are equally determined to take their teams to the top flight.