2025/2026 NNL Season: Gombe United Fined ₦2.5m Over Match Disruption, Banished to Jos

Posted : 24 December 2025

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has slammed a ₦2.5 million fine on Gombe United FC following the disruption of their Matchday 7 encounter against Jigawa Golden Stars.

The decision was reached by the league’s Disciplinary Committee after reviewing the circumstances that led to the disruption of the match played at the Pantami Stadium, Gombe, on December 21, 2025.

A breakdown of the sanction shows that ₦2 million was imposed for bringing the league into disrepute, while ₦500,000 is meant to subsidize the transportation and accommodation expenses of Jigawa Golden Stars FC.

In an official statement, the NNL confirmed receipt of the match report for Matchday 7, Match No. 72, of the ongoing 2025/2026 Nigeria National League season. According to the report, the match was goalless (0–0) at the end of regulation time, after which the referee added five minutes of stoppage time.

At 90+4 minutes, fans, supporters, and officials of Gombe United reportedly encroached onto the field of play in protest over a goal-kick decision by the referee. The situation deteriorated into an uncontrollable scene, forcing the referee to rescind his initial decision and award a penalty kick to Gombe United under intense pressure.

The referee eventually abandoned the match at approximately 90+24 minutes due to continued encroachment and intimidation, with the scoreline still 0–0.

Findings by the NNL Disciplinary Review Committee revealed clear cases of pitch encroachment, harassment, and intimidation of match officials. The referee reportedly confirmed that his decision was altered under duress, and that the match was ultimately called off after more than 20 minutes of disruption without any goal being scored.

Based on these findings, the Disciplinary Committee ruled that the actions of Gombe United fans, supporters, and officials breached Article 16.1.1 and Article 16.4 of the league’s Rules and Regulations, thereby warranting the sanctions imposed.

In addition to the fine, Gombe United has been ordered to complete the remaining one minute of the five minutes of added time at the Jos Township Stadium on Friday, January 16, 2026. The fixture will be played behind closed doors. Only the following individuals will be permitted at the venue: 20 security personnel, seven club officials per team, 12 dressed ball boys, 10 host State Football Association staff (including identifiable stadium security personnel), six match officials, accredited medical personnel (names to be submitted at the pre-match meeting), two accredited cameramen per team (names to be submitted at the pre-match meeting), and 10 media representatives accredited by the State Football Association.

The NNL further stated that completion of the match is conditional upon Gombe United paying the ₦2.5 million fine on or before January 9, 2026. Failure to comply will result in the forfeiture of three points and three goals in favour of Jigawa Golden Stars FC.

The league body also noted that Gombe United FC must, within 24 hours of receiving the notice, either submit to the summary jurisdiction and sanctions imposed or formally lodge an appeal with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

2025/2026 NNL Season: Gombe United Fined ₦2.5m Over Match Disruption, Banished to Jos

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