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CAF Confederation Cup Hopefuls, Abakaliki FC Escape NNL Relegation
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Abakaliki FC have secured their place in the Nigeria National League (NNL) for the 2025 season, despite suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to Madiba FC on the final day of the regular season.
The Ebonyi State-based club managed to avoid the drop, finishing 9th on the Conference B standings with 23 points from 20 matches.
Now, attention turns to a bigger prize for Abakaliki FC — a chance to qualify for continental football. The club remains in contention for a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup through the 2025 President Federation Cup, where they will face Kwara United in the final to be played in Lagos. The winner will clinch Nigeria’s remaining ticket to the continental competition.
Meanwhile, Gateway United FC were not as fortunate, as they were relegated to the Nationwide League One (NLO) from the same group.
In Conference A, 1472 FC had earlier withdrawn from the league, while Igbajo FC narrowly escaped relegation by finishing 10th. Zamfara United FC and Adamawa United FC were also relegated, from Conferences C and D respectively.
With the regular season concluded, the lineup for the NNL Super 8 Playoffs is now confirmed. The teams set to battle for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) are:
- Osun United FC
- Khun Khalifat FC
- Warri Wolves
- Crown FC
- Wikki Tourists
- Barau FC
- Yobe Desert Stars
- Doma United FC
The playoffs will determine the four clubs that gain promotion to the top flight.
