Shock as Federation Cup Finalists Abakaliki United Among Eight Relegated from NNL
In a stunning twist to the 2024/2025 Nigerian football season, Federation Cup finalists Abakaliki United have been relegated from the Nigerian National League (NNL), just days before contesting the biggest domestic cup final of the year.
The Ebonyi-based side, nicknamed the “Rice Boys,” are set to face Kwara United in the President Federation Cup final, yet their fairytale run in the competition has been overshadowed by their poor league performance, culminating in demotion from Nigeria’s second-tier division.
Abakaliki United’s fall is part of a wider shake-up in the NNL as eight teams have officially been relegated. In Conference A, they are joined by Madiba FC of Lagos and Gateway United of Abeokuta. Conference B saw Ijele FC, Igbajo United, and 1472 FC of Lagos drop down, the latter having been withdrawn from the league earlier in the season.
Conference C saw the relegation of Zamfara United, while Conference D’s casualty was Adamawa United, another club with historic pedigree in the Nigerian league system.
NNL Chairman George Aluo confirmed the changes were consistent with league policies agreed upon at the start of the season.
“At the AGM before the season began, it was unanimously agreed that eight teams would be relegated—three from Conference A, three from Conference B, and one each from Conferences C and D,” Aluo said.
Despite the upheaval, the NNL will maintain a 36-team structure next season, bolstered by the arrival of relegated Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) sides: Lobi Stars, Heartland FC, Sunshine Stars, and Akwa United.
As Abakaliki United prepare for their historic cup final appearance, the sting of relegation adds an unexpected layer of drama to what should have been a season to celebrate.
