The Nigeria National League (NNL) has imposed severe sanctions on Gateway United FC following violent conduct against match officials during their Matchday 9 fixture against Smart City FC.
In a statement signed by the league’s Chief Operating Officer, Danlami Alanana, the NNL confirmed that Gateway United breached several provisions of its rules and regulations after chaos erupted at the end of Match No. 41 of the 2025/2026 season, played on January 10, 2026, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
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Reports submitted by match officials detailed incidents of harassment, intimidation and physical assault, with supporters of Gateway United allegedly overpowering security personnel and attacking officials after the final whistle of the 1–1 draw. Club officials were also named as being involved in the disturbances.
The league further singled out Mr. Toyin Jimoh of Gateway United as a security risk, citing repeated threats made toward match officials before kickoff. His actions were said to have contributed significantly to the tense atmosphere that later escalated into violence.
The Secretary of the Ogun State Football Association, present as an NFF representative, was also reportedly harassed and physically assaulted.
Following its investigations, the NNL found Gateway United guilty of violating Articles 16.1, 16.1.1, 26.1 and 26.2 of its regulations.
As punishment, the club was fined a total of ₦4.3 million, broken down as follows: ₦1 million for encroachment and post-match disturbances, ₦3 million for assault on match officials, and ₦300,000 to cover medical expenses for the injured officials.
In addition, Mr. Toyin Jimoh has been suspended for four NNL matches—fixtures numbered 46, 55, 57 and 64—for acts of intimidation and harassment.
Gateway United have also been banished from their home ground and ordered to play their next two home matches at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ekiti State. The affected games are against Edel FC and Beyond Limits FC.
The club has been given 72 hours to submit the names of all individuals involved in the assault, with the league warning that failure to comply will attract further sanctions. All fines must also be paid before the start of the second stanza of the 2025/2026 NNL season.
Gateway United were advised to either accept the sanctions under summary jurisdiction or file an appeal with the Nigeria Football Federation within 24 hours of receiving the notice.
The NNL reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward violence, stressing its commitment to safeguarding match officials and upholding discipline across the league.
