By Aderonke Ojo
The Nigeria National League has banished Gombe United to Jos to complete their MatchDay 7 encounter with Jigawa United
The Nigeria National League (NNL) has ordered Gombe United FC to complete their disrupted MatchDay 7 fixture against Jigawa Golden Stars FC in Jos, Plateau State, following crowd trouble at the original venue.
In an official statement, the NNL confirmed it received the match report for MatchDay 7, Match No. 72, played on 21 December 2025 at the Pantami Stadium, Gombe, in the ongoing 2025/2026 Nigeria National League season.
According to the report, the match was scoreless (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 degenerated into an uncontrollable scene, forcing the referee to rescind his original decision and award a penalty kick to Gombe United under pressure.
The referee later abandoned the match at approximately 90+24 minutes due to continued encroachment and intimidation, with the scoreline still 0–0.
Findings
The NNL disciplinary review established the following:
• There was a clear case of pitch encroachment, harassment, and intimidation of match officials.
• The referee confirmed that his decision was changed under duress.
• The match was eventually called off after more than 20 minutes of disruption, with no goals scored.
Decisions and Sanctions
Based on the findings, the NNL 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. Consequently, the league handed down the following sanctions:
• Fine: Gombe United FC has been fined ₦2,000,000 for field invasion.
• Match Completion: Gombe United FC and Jigawa Golden Stars FC are to complete the remaining one minute of the five minutes of added time at the Jos Township Stadium on Friday, 16 January 2026.
• Closed-Door Fixture: The match will be played behind closed doors with only the following permitted:
• 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 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 ₦500,000.
• Payment Deadline: Gombe United FC has until 9 January 2026 to pay the total sum of ₦2,500,000. 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 the notice, either submit to the summary jurisdiction and sanctions imposed or elect to appeal the decision to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).