NNL: Gateway United marks triumphant return to Abeokuta after 610 days exile
(ABEOKUTA, Made In Africa Sport) – Wasiu Falolu scored a crucial goal to lift Gateway United to a hard-fought victory in their inaugural home match of the 2023/2024 Nigeria National League (NNL) season at MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto Abeokuta.
Following a draw against Osun United, Coach Samson Omiponle freshened the lineup with three changes. The home team controlled the tempo, but finding the net proved elusive.
Both Damilare Babatunde’s long-range attempt and Samuel Ovenseri’s volley narrowly missed the mark. Giant Brillars threatened too, but Joshua Oladeji denied Mbaota Chimaobi’s header.
FULL-TIME STATISTICS
Gateway United 1-0 Giant Brillars
Wasiu Falolu's 86th minute strike secured a hard-fought victory for Gateway in Abeokuta.
This is the Rock City boy's first win of the season in second tier's Conference B.#NNLWithMIAS #NNL24 pic.twitter.com/065dzYBVSA
— Made In Africa Sport (@madeinafricaweb) December 10, 2023
The second half saw both sides seeking a breakthrough. Substitute Obi Ifeanyi unleashed a powerful shot that went wide.
Just as the game seemed destined for a draw, Wasiu Falolu seized the moment. Capitalizing on a deflected ball, he smashed home the winning goal in the 84th minute.
Gateway United nearly surrendered the lead as a late shot struck the woodwork. Nevertheless, they held on for a crucial three points at home.
A journey of resilience and return
The MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, primarily served as the home ground of the Rock City Boys until the league body barred them from using it midway through the 2021/2022 season due to the poor condition of the grass.
Take a look at the lushly green pitch at MKO Abiola stadium, Abeokuta that Gateway FC v Vandrezzer FC played yesterday.
Even late MKO Abiola won’t be happy 😂 pic.twitter.com/yKqlIdpAcb
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) February 27, 2022
En route for promotion to the top flight, Gateway United was top of the league going into the mid-season break, leading Bendel Insurance by 1 point.
They maintained a 100% winning record at the stadium, winning all seven games against Campos FC, Vandrezzer, Bendel Insurance, Osun United, Abeokuta Stormers, Adoration FC, and Ibom Youth FC before being forcefully moved away to a different ground.
We resume the 2021/22NNL campaign with #EkitiUnited clash at Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode which will now play host to all our second round matches
#NNL22 #GATEKITI pic.twitter.com/4P26rcobLK— Gateway United FC (@GatewayUnitedFC) May 13, 2022
They continued the winning streak at the Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode, securing three points against Ekiti United, J. Atete, Stormers, Ikorodu City, and drew with Giant Brillars after losing back-to-back away games heavily to Bendel Insurance and Vandrezzer to relinquish the promotion ticket to the former.
They played the entire 2022/2023 season in Ijebu and finished fourth of six in NNL Group B Southern Conference, escaping relegation to the third tier by a point after a final-day win over Crown FC.
The club has returned to the MKO Abiola Stadium for the 2023/2024 season, marking a triumphant return to their home city since their last game against Ibom Youth FC on 9 April 2022, which spans approximately 1 year and 8 months, totaling around 610 days.
Renewed optimism and focus on sustained progress
Following the victory, Gateway United’s acting general manager, Niyi Soleye, expressed confidence in the team’s potential for a successful season.
In an interview with journalists at the MKO Abiola Stadium after the match, Soleye addressed the team’s performance and goals for the year.
He acknowledged their struggles in previous seasons and emphasized the efforts made to improve the team’s composition and technical crew. He expressed optimism that these changes will propel Gateway United to a strong performance this year.
“We have planned well, and we have tried very well in everything we are doing for this new season,” Soleye stated. “We have learned from our mistakes and made necessary corrections.”
“We believe that with the talent we have recruited and the support of the governor and commissioner, we are going to achieve something meaningful this year.”
Looking ahead, Soleye sees the upcoming National Sports Festival in Ogun State next year as a potential catalyst for success. With all eyes on the state, he believes Gateway United can rise to the occasion and showcase their talent.
“All eyes will be on Ogun state now, hosting the sports festival, and by that all eyes will be on Gateway too.”
“We want to prove ourselves and lead by example. We believe the Gateway Games will be a positive force for the Gateway United football team,” he concluded.
Gateway United’s next challenge awaits in Lagos at the Mobalaji Johnson Arena on 16th December against Ikorodu City.
