The Nigeria Nationwide League (NNL) has imposed extreme sanctions on Gateway United FC following violent conduct towards match officers throughout their Matchday 9 fixture towards Sensible Metropolis FC.
In an announcement signed by the league’s Chief Working Officer, Danlami Alanana, the NNL confirmed that Gateway United breached a number of provisions of its guidelines and rules after chaos erupted on the finish of Match No. 41 of the 2025/2026 season, performed on January 10, 2026, on the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Reviews submitted by match officers detailed incidents of harassment, intimidation and bodily assault, with supporters of Gateway United allegedly overpowering safety personnel and attacking officers after the ultimate whistle of the 1–1 draw. Membership officers have been additionally named as being concerned within the disturbances.
The league additional singled out Mr. Toyin Jimoh of Gateway United as a safety threat, citing repeated threats made towards match officers earlier than kickoff. His actions have been mentioned to have contributed considerably to the tense ambiance that later escalated into violence.
The Secretary of the Ogun State Soccer Affiliation, current as an NFF consultant, was additionally reportedly harassed and bodily assaulted.
Following its investigations, the NNL discovered Gateway United responsible of violating Articles 16.1, 16.1.1, 26.1 and 26.2 of its rules.
As punishment, the membership was fined a complete of ₦4.3 million, damaged down as follows: ₦1 million for encroachment and post-match disturbances, ₦3 million for assault on match officers, and ₦300,000 to cowl medical bills for the injured officers.
As well as, Mr. Toyin Jimoh has been suspended for 4 NNL matches—fixtures numbered 46, 55, 57 and 64—for acts of intimidation and harassment.
Gateway United have additionally been banished from their residence floor and ordered to play their subsequent two residence matches on the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ekiti State. The affected video games are towards Edel FC and Past Limits FC.
The membership has been given 72 hours to submit the names of all people concerned within the assault, with the league warning that failure to conform will entice additional sanctions. All fines should even be paid earlier than the beginning of the second stanza of the 2025/2026 NNL season.
Gateway United have been suggested to both settle for the sanctions beneath abstract jurisdiction or file an enchantment with the Nigeria Soccer Federation inside 24 hours of receiving the discover.
The NNL reiterated its zero-tolerance coverage towards violence, stressing its dedication to safeguarding match officers and upholding self-discipline throughout the league.
