Godswill Akpabio United Crush Gateway to Seal Relegation Fate
Godswill Akpabio United FC dealt the final blow to Gateway United FC’s troubled season, thrashing the Ogun State side 3-0 on Saturday, 14 June 2025, and sending them down to the third-tier Nigeria Nationwide League (NLO).
Both teams started the game eyeing maximum points to retain their Nigeria National League status and it was debutants, Godswill Akpabio United FC who had the last laugh.
The decisive victory, on the final day of the Nigeria National League (NNL) season, confirmed Gateway United’s relegation after 15 years in the division. The defeat capped a poor campaign for the team, who managed just 6 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses in 20 games.
Once seen as strong contenders for promotion back to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Gateway United now face the tough task of rebuilding in the NLO , a league known more for nurturing young talent than chasing top-flight glory.
Despite a few promising moments this season, Gateway’s lack of cutting edge in attack and shaky defence proved costly, leaving them unable to claw their way out of the relegation zone.
After the match, the CEO of Godswill Akpabio United FC, Dr Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wife of Nigeria’s Senate President, celebrated with her team, handing out cash rewards. In a kind gesture, she also gave cash gift to the disheartened Gateway United players.
