Gateway United of Abeokuta appear unprepared for life in the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) after suffering relegation from the Nigeria National League (NNL) last season.
The Ogun State club’s fate was sealed on the final day of the campaign following a heavy 3-0 defeat to Godswill Akpabio United in Uyo.
Read Also: FK Partizani Tirana Midfield Trojan Kazeem Ogunleye Gets Flying Eagles Call-Up Ahead of Chile 2025
Despite financial motivation and a rallying call from the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, who had met the players before their decisive match in June, the Lisabi Boys failed to secure survival.
Dauda Umar opened the scoring for the hosts in the 4th minute, with Makoyn Biokpor doubling the lead before halftime.
A third goal in the second half confirmed Gateway’s relegation, closing a difficult campaign in which the club recorded just 6 wins, 5 draws, and 9 defeats in 20 matches.
Since the setback, Gateway United have shown little sign of regrouping.
Several key players have been unveiled by rival clubs, while the team’s official social media platforms have remained inactive since June 30, 2025, coinciding with the passing of their former media officer, Reuben Ogunyeye.
The club, founded in 1978, had previously spent 15 consecutive years in the second division after dropping from the top flight. Once tipped as a potential candidate for Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) promotion, Gateway now face the stark reality of rebuilding in the third tier a league more focused on grassroots development than competitive ambition.
The situation raises critical questions:
Where are the players recruited during last year’s open trials across Ogun State?
When will the club resume camping ahead of the new season?
How many players are still under contract for the NLO campaign?
So far, there are no clear answers from the Ogun State Sports Commission or the club’s management.
This decline comes in stark contrast to Ogun State’s footballing achievements at the 2024 National Sports Festival, where Team Ogun clinched gold with a resounding 4-0 victory over Team Kwara in the final, a success attributed to long-term preparation.
Gateway United, a club that has produced notable players such as the late Super Eagles legend Rashidi Yekini (briefly in 2005), Rasak Adegbite, Henry Ariwachuckwu, Ibrahim Rabiu, and Mobi Oparaku, now finds itself at a crossroads.
Without decisive action, the Rock Boys risk losing not just their competitive edge, but also their rich football heritage.
