The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary Committee has imposed fines and other sanctions on several football clubs and a referee following investigations into incidents during recent league matches. The decisions were announced after the committee’s meeting on March 3, 2026, which reviewed protests arising from matches in the Nigeria National League (NNL) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

In one case, the committee considered a protest filed by Gombe United FC over their December 21, 2025, match against Jigawa Golden Stars FC at the Pantami Stadium. Investigations revealed that the centre referee initially awarded a goal kick in the 90+4 minute. However, supporters of the home team invaded the pitch and pressured the referee to change the decision to a penalty kick — a clear violation of league regulations.

The committee also found that the referee, Terwase Chia, submitted conflicting reports on the incident, though claims that he acted under duress could not be substantiated. Players of Jigawa Golden Stars, protesting the penalty decision, refused to continue the match.

As a result:

Gombe United FC was fined N1 million for crowd encroachment.
Referee Terwase Chia was suspended for the remainder of the season for professional misconduct.
Jigawa Golden Stars FC were fined N500,000 for abandoning the match.
The game was officially declared concluded with a 0-0 result.

In another ruling, the committee reviewed a protest involving Wikki Tourists FC and Katsina United FC following their February 8, 2026, match at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium. Investigations showed that Wikki Tourists failed to provide adequate security, allowing unauthorized persons into restricted areas, while supporters threw stones onto the field.

The committee upheld a N2 million fine for inadequate security and imposed additional N1 million fines for unsporting conduct and throwing dangerous objects. An earlier sanction requiring the club to move its home matches to Jos was reduced to a five-match stadium ban.

Similarly, Kwara United FC faced sanctions following crowd disturbances during their February 18, 2026, match against Rivers United FC at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl Stadium. The committee imposed:

N2 million fine for poor security.
N1 million fine for failure to control supporters.
N2 million as compensation for damages and medical costs for match officials and visiting team members.
Three-point and three-goal deduction.
Five-match stadium ban.

The NFF Disciplinary Committee emphasised that these measures are aimed at ensuring compliance with league regulations, safeguarding players and officials, and maintaining the integrity of Nigerian football.