Gateway United will return to their traditional home ground, the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Kuto, Abeokuta, on Saturday for the first time in over a year, as they prepare to face Osun United on Matchday 18 of the 2024/25 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
The fixture — their final home match of the campaign carries added weight, with the club currently embroiled in a relegation fight.
Gateway United sit 10th in the 11-team Southern Conference Group B, with 19 points after 18 matches. With just two games left to play, starting with Saturday’s clash, every point is now vital to their survival hopes.
It will be Gateway’s first game at the Abeokuta stadium since a goalless draw against Ikorodu City on 13 April 2024.
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The team has spent the season bouncing between two temporary venues the Gateway International Stadium, Ilaro, and Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode due to earlier unavailability of their home ground.
Acting General Manager Niyi Soleye said the return to Kuto represents more than just a change of venue.
“Returning to Kuto for our final home game is more than just a logistical shift — it’s a moment of reconnection, this is where the soul of the club resides. The fans, the energy, the history — it all comes together here.” he said.
Gateway United return to the renovated MKO Abiola Sports Arena hoping to stay up in the NNL. Photo Credit: X
Soleye acknowledged the support the team received on the road but called on fans in Abeokuta to come out in full force for what could be a season-defining fixture.
“We thank our teeming supporters in Ilaro and Ijebu Ode for their immense support. We don’t take that for granted,” he added.
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“We urge our supporters to turn out in large numbers. Let’s make this a celebration not just of football, but of resilience and community spirit.”
Kick-off is set for 3 p.m. on Saturday at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, as Gateway United look to harness the energy of their home crowd and take a crucial step toward avoiding the drop.
