NNL Orders Gombe United To Complete Disrupted Match in Jos Behind Closed Doors

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By Sedara Philip

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has handed down disciplinary sanctions against Gombe United FC following crowd disturbances that led to the abandonment of their MatchDay 7 fixture against Jigawa Golden Stars FC.

In an official statement issued by the league body, the NNL confirmed that it received the match report for Match No. 72 of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League season, played on 21 December 2025 at the Pantami Stadium, Gombe.

According to the report, the encounter between Gombe United and Jigawa Golden Stars remained goalless (0–0) at the end of regulation time, prompting the referee to add five minutes of stoppage time. However, at the 90+4 minute mark, fans, supporters, and officials of Gombe United reportedly invaded the pitch in protest over a goal-kick decision awarded to Jigawa Golden Stars.

The situation escalated rapidly, resulting in harassment and intimidation of match officials. Under intense pressure, the referee rescinded his original decision and awarded a penalty kick to Gombe United. Despite this, continued encroachment and threats forced the referee to abandon the match at approximately the 90+24 minute mark, with the scoreline still 0–0.

NNL Findings

Following a disciplinary review, the NNL established that:

There was a clear case of pitch encroachment, harassment, and intimidation of match officials.

The referee admitted that his decision was altered under duress.

The match was eventually abandoned after over 20 minutes of disruption, with no goals recorded.

Decisions and Sanctions

Based on these findings, the NNL ruled that Gombe United FC breached Article 16.1.1 and Article 16.4 of the league’s rules and regulations. The league consequently imposed the following sanctions:

Fine: Gombe United FC has been fined ₦2,000,000 for field invasion and misconduct.

Match Completion: The remaining one minute of the five minutes added time will be completed at the Jos Township Stadium, Plateau State, on Friday, 16 January 2026.

Closed-Door Fixture: The match will be played behind closed doors with strict restrictions on attendance. Only the following persons will be allowed:

20 security personnel

7 club officials per team

12 dressed ball boys

10 host State Football Association staff, including identifiable stadium security personnel

6 match officials

Accredited medical personnel (names to be submitted at the pre-match meeting)

2 accredited cameramen per team (names to be submitted at the pre-match meeting)

10 media representatives accredited by the State Football Association

Condition for Continuation: The completion of the remaining one minute is subject to the full payment of the ₦2,000,000 fine by Gombe United FC.

Logistics Support: Gombe United FC is also directed to subsidize the transport and accommodation of Jigawa Golden Stars FC with the sum of ₦500,000.

Payment Deadline: Gombe United FC must pay the total sum of ₦2,500,000 on or before 9 January 2026. Failure to comply will result in the forfeiture of three points and three goals in favour of Jigawa Golden Stars FC.

The NNL further stated that Gombe United FC must, within 24 hours of receipt of the notice, either submit to the summary jurisdiction and sanctions imposed or formally appeal the decision to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).