Despite reaching the final of the 2025 President Federation Cup, Abakaliki United have been relegated from the Nigerian National League (NNL) following the conclusion of the 2024/2025 season.
The “Rice Boys,” who are set to face Kwara United in the prestigious cup final, now face the bitter reality of dropping to the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO). They are among eight teams demoted as part of the season's final standings.
From Conference A, Abakaliki United are joined in relegation by Madiba FC of Lagos and Gateway United of Abeokuta.
In Conference B, Ijele FC, Igbajo United, and 1472 FC of Lagos were also relegated. Notably, 1472 FC had earlier withdrawn from the league and failed to meet the requirements to retain their status.
Zamfara United (Conference C) and Adamawa United (Conference D) complete the list of relegated teams.
Chairman of the Nigerian National League, George Aluo, confirmed that the demotions were in accordance with resolutions made at the last NNL Congress held in Bauchi.
“At the AGM before the start of the season, it was unanimously agreed that eight teams would be relegated at the end of the season—three from Conference A, three from Conference B, and one each from Conferences C and D,” Aluo explained.
Despite the demotions, the NNL will maintain 36 teams for the next season.
Meanwhile, Lobi Stars, Heartland FC, Sunshine Stars, and Akwa United, all recently relegated from the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), will compete in the NNL next season.
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