The Nigeria National League has imposed severe sanctions on Gateway United FC following the assault of match officials during their Matchday 9 fixture against Smart City FC.
In a decision signed by the NNL Chief Operating Officer, Danlami Alanana, the league confirmed that Gateway United breached several provisions of its Rules and Regulations after violent incidents marred Match No. 41 of the 2025/2026 season.
The match, which ended 1-1, was played on 10 January 2026 at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
According to reports submitted by match officials, Gateway FC supporters overpowered security personnel at the end of the encounter and physically assaulted officials. The league also noted that some officials of the club were directly implicated in the incident.
The NNL further identified Mr Toyin Jimoh of Gateway FC as a major security risk. He was accused of issuing repeated threats to match officials before kick-off and contributing to the hostile environment that escalated into violence after the final whistle.
The Secretary of the Ogun State Football Association, who attended the match as a representative of the Nigeria Football Federation, was also reportedly intimidated and physically molested.
Following its investigation, the league ruled that Gateway FC violated Articles 16.1, 16.1.1, 26.1 and 26.2 of the NNL Regulations.
As part of the sanctions, Gateway FC was fined a total of ₦4.3 million, including ₦1 million for encroachment and disturbances, ₦3 million for assault on match officials, and ₦300,000 to cover the medical expenses of the affected officials.
Mr Jimoh has also been suspended for four NNL matches, specifically Match Nos. 46, 55, 57 and 64, for acts of intimidation and harassment.
In addition, Gateway FC has been banished from its home ground and ordered to play its next two home matches at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ekiti State. The affected fixtures are against Edel FC and Beyond Limits FC.
The league has given Gateway FC 72 hours to submit the names of all individuals involved in the assault, warning that failure to comply will attract further sanctions. The club must also settle all fines before the start of the second stanza of the 2025/2026 season.
Gateway FC has the option of accepting the sanctions under summary jurisdiction or submitting an appeal to the Nigeria Football Federation within 24 hours of receiving the notice.
The NNL reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on violence and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting match officials and maintaining discipline across the league.
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