The Nigeria National League (NNL) has handed down heavy sanctions to Gateway United FC following the assault of match officials during their Matchday 9 encounter against Smart City FC.

 

In an official decision signed by the NNL Chief Operating Officer, Danlami Alanana, the league confirmed that Gateway United FC breached multiple provisions of the NNL Rules and Regulations after violent scenes marred Match No. 41 of the 2025/2026 season, played on 10 January 2026 at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

 

According to the NNL, reports from the match officials revealed clear cases of harassment, intimidation, and physical assault. The report stated that Gateway FC supporters overpowered security personnel at the end of the match and attacked the officials, while officials of the club were also implicated in the incident. The match ended 1–1.

 

The league further identified Mr. Toyin Jimoh of Gateway FC as a major security threat, noting that he issued repeated threats to match officials before kickoff and contributed to the hostile atmosphere that culminated in violence after the final whistle. The Secretary of the Ogun State Football Association, who was present as a representative of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), was also reportedly intimidated and physically molested.

 

Following its findings, the NNL ruled that Gateway FC violated Articles 16.1, 16.1.1, 26.1, and 26.2 of the league’s regulations.

 

As punishment, Gateway FC was fined:

• ₦1,000,000 for encroachment and disturbances at the end of the match

• ₦3,000,000 for assault on match officials

• ₦300,000 to cover medical expenses for the affected officials

 

In addition, Mr. Toyin Jimoh has been suspended for four NNL matches—Match Nos. 46, 55, 57, and 64—for acts of intimidation and harassment.

 

The league also banished Gateway FC from their home ground, ordering the club to play their next two home matches at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ekiti State. The affected fixtures are against Edel FC and Beyond Limits FC.

 

Gateway FC management has been given 72 hours to submit the names of all individuals involved in the assault on match officials, with the NNL warning that failure to comply will result in further sanctions. The club must also settle all fines before the commencement of the second stanza of the 2025/2026 NNL season.

 

The NNL directed Gateway FC to either accept the sanctions under summary jurisdiction or formally lodge an appeal with the Nigeria Football Federation within 24 hours of the notice.

 

The league reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on violence, stressing its commitment to protecting match officials and maintaining discipline across the Nigeria National League.