Gateway United have been relegated to the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) after a 15‑year stint in the Nigeria National League (NNL), following the conclusion of the 2024–25 season. The drop comes as part of a league-wide demotion affecting 12 clubs, as confirmed by the NNL board.
The Abeokuta-based outfit’s season saw significant turmoil, including a prolonged inability to host home matches at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena. Despite a poignant return in June and a morale-boosting 2–1 win over Osun United anchored by Seyi Okeowo’s 60th‑minute winner survival hopes were dashed.
Acting General Manager Niyi Soleye had described the return to Kuto as “reclaiming our identity” and called on fans to back the team in what became a last stand. Despite that effort, Gateway ultimately finished among the bottom twelve, sealing their descent into the third tier.
Editorial
We stand at a difficult juncture for Gateway United. This relegation, after fifteen consecutive years in the second tier, challenges both identity and resolve. We feel this moment demands frank reflection and renewed determination.
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Playing away from home for most of the season took a toll memories of Fortress Kuto have been replaced by a nomadic existence, theatre without an audience. Even the emotional return, marked by Okeowo’s decisive goal, couldn’t reverse the trend. But it did reveal something far more vital: a spirit unquenchable.
We recognise that rebuilding begins now. League status doesn’t define character how you respond does. The club must reconsolidate bring back youth, refocus strategies, and re-engage the Abeokuta faithful. This is a chance for rebirth, not retreat.
Supporters remain at the heart of this. We urge everyone connected to the club to harness collective energy on and off the pitch to press for a return. The descent may sting, but we all can choose how deeply it scars us.Our conviction remains unwavering setbacks forge stronger comebacks. Gateway United has the history, the community, and the talent to rise again. And rise again they will.
Did You Know?
- The Nigeria National League was founded in 1979 and reorganised in 1991 into its current structure.
- Each season, four clubs ascend from the NNL to the Nigerian Premier League via a Super 4 or Super 8 playoff.
- Twelve teams are relegated from the NNL to the NLO each season Gateway United is among them this year.
- Gateway United’s home ground, MKO Abiola Sports Arena, has a capacity of around 10,000 spectators.
- Seyi Okeowo’s winning goal versus Osun United came after Gateway had returned home following a year of playing in Ilaro and Ijebu Ode.
