The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has introduced a ₦1 million penalty for clubs that fail to honour fixtures during the national preliminary stage of the 2026 President Federation Cup.
The federation’s Director of Competitions, Ruth David, confirmed the decision on Monday while outlining the schedule for the state qualifying rounds of Nigeria’s oldest football tournament.
According to the NFF, the preliminary phase at state level will run from March 22 to April 26, 2026, with matches set to begin across the country on Sunday, March 22.
Clubs that complete registration but fail to appear for their scheduled games will be fined ₦500,000.
The federation also directed all State Football Associations, including the Federal Capital Territory, to conclude their finals on either April 25 or April 26.
Each state will then forward two qualified teams to represent them in the national phase of the competition.
Disciplinary Committee Issues Sanctions
Meanwhile, the NFF Disciplinary Committee has handed down several sanctions following protests and incidents arising from matches in the Nigeria National League (NNL) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Gombe United vs Jigawa Golden Stars
One of the cases reviewed involved a protest submitted by Gombe United regarding their NNL fixture against Jigawa Golden Stars played on December 21, 2025, at Pantami Stadium in Gombe.
The committee found that the centre referee had initially awarded a goal kick in the 94th minute but later changed the decision to a penalty after supporters invaded the pitch.
After studying match reports and other available evidence, the committee ruled that the change breached league regulations.
It also noted that the referee submitted two different reports after the match.
As a result:
Gombe United were fined ₦1 million after supporters entered the field of play.
Centre referee Terwase Chia was suspended for the remainder of the season for misconduct considered damaging to the integrity of the game.
Jigawa Golden Stars were fined ₦500,000 for refusing to continue the match in protest.
The committee upheld the final result of the game, which ended 0–0.
Wikki Tourist Sanctioned
In another case, the committee examined a protest filed by Wikki Tourist over their NPFL match against Katsina United played on February 8, 2026, at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi.
Investigations revealed that security arrangements at the stadium were inadequate, allowing unauthorized individuals access to restricted areas.
Supporters were also reported to have thrown stones onto the pitch.
Although the referee claimed he was struck by one of the objects, the committee said there was no medical evidence showing injuries to officials or the visiting team.
The committee therefore imposed the following sanctions:
Wikki Tourist were fined ₦2 million for poor security arrangements.
The club received an additional ₦1 million penalty for unsporting conduct capable of damaging the reputation of the league.
Another ₦1 million fine was imposed after fans threw dangerous objects onto the field.
The earlier decision to move the club’s home matches was reduced to a five-game ban, which will be served in Jos.
Kwara United Penalised
The committee also ruled on a protest involving Kwara United following their NPFL match against Rivers United on February 18, 2026, at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl in Ilorin.
Investigators determined that the club did not put sufficient security measures in place, allowing fans to gain access to restricted areas and engage in violent behaviour.
Supporters were reported to have thrown stones, metal objects and wooden items onto the pitch, which led to harassment and injuries involving match officials and members of the visiting team.
After reviewing the case, the committee announced the following punishments:
A ₦2 million fine for inadequate matchday security.
A ₦1 million fine for failing to control supporters.
₦2 million compensation to cover medical treatment and damages suffered by match officials and Rivers United personnel.
In addition, Kwara United were deducted three points and three goals for assault on match officials in accordance with NPFL regulations.
The decision relocating the club’s home matches to the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta for the remainder of the season was also reduced to a five-match ban.
The disciplinary committee noted that all affected parties retain the right to appeal the rulings.
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