As the curtain falls on the 2024/25 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, the spotlight is firmly fixed on Southern Conference Group B, where six teams are locked in a high-stakes battle to avoid relegation on the final matchday.
The drama is intense, the margins are thin, and the consequences are enormous.
While teams like Kun Khalifa FC have already booked their tickets to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), others are desperately fighting to avoid the dreaded drop into the Nationwide League One (NLO). And among those sweating it out are Lagos-based clubs First Bank FC and Madiba FC.
Here’s an in-depth look at the potential scenarios as the last matchday unfolds on Saturday:
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First Bank FC (6th – 24 points, -7 GD)
Match: Osun United vs First Bank | Venue: Ile Ogbo
Despite sitting in sixth place with 24 points, First Bank is still in real danger. Their survival depends on beating or at least drawing Osun United—a team that must win to secure promotion. With a -7 goal difference, a loss could see First Bank overtaken by multiple teams below, including Madiba FC, ABS, Gateway United, and even Godswill Akpabio FC if any of them secure a win.
Key Threat: Osun United will be desperate to seal promotion, making this a tough fixture for First Bank.
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Madiba FC (7th—23 points, -5 GD)
Match: Madiba FC vs Abakaliki FC | Venue: Lagos (MJA)
On paper, Madiba have the easiest assignment. They face already-relegated Abakaliki FC, who are also President Federation Cup finalists. A win will lift Madiba to 26 points, likely enough to leapfrog First Bank and secure safety.
Even a draw could be enough due to their superior goal difference. But defeat could be disastrous, depending on results elsewhere.
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ABS FC (8th—23 points, -6 GD)
Match: ABS FC vs Kun Khalifa FC | Venue: Ilorin
It’s a tricky one for ABS FC of Ilorin. They face Kun Khalifa, which has already secured an NPFL slot. The unknown is whether Kun Khalifa will field their strongest squad or give fringe players a chance.
ABS FC needs an outright win to escape without depending on other results. A draw puts them on 24 points, where survival will then depend on First Bank’s and others’ outcomes.
Gateway United (9th – 22 points, -5 GD)
Match: Gateway United vs Godswill Akpabio FC | Venue: Uyo
This is arguably the biggest fixture of the relegation round — a straight shootout between two teams currently in the drop zone. A win for Gateway United takes them to 25 points and secures their NNL status.
A draw might not be enough, especially if Madiba and ABS pick up wins. For Gateway, victory is non-negotiable.
Godswill Akpabio FC (10th – 21 points, 0 GD)
Match: vs Gateway United | Venue: Uyo
While trailing with 21 points, Akpabio FC’s goal difference is the best among the relegation-threatened teams. A win takes them to 24 points and a possible leap above First Bank, especially if the Lagos bankers lose to Osun United.
If both Akpabio and First Bank win, First Bank survives thanks to higher points. If First Bank loses, Akpabio’s 0 goal difference could prove decisive.
Three clubs will face relegation after Saturday’s decisive matchday, and their fate hinges on a delicate mix of final results, goal differences, and the intensity of performances across all four venues. With so much at stake, every pass, tackle, and goal could be the difference between survival in the Nigeria National League and a painful drop to the Nationwide League One.
Picture Credit: ABS FC Facebook Page
