NNL: Gateway United banished to Benin over security

By Tayo Ogunseye

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has ordered Gateway United Football Club of Abeokuta to move to Benin, Edo State for the rest of the season for violating the league’s security rules.

With the decision, Gateway would now host both Crown FC and Osun United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium as the season winds down.

It would be noted that fans of the Abeokuta side had after their game against Ikorodu United on Saturday (April 13) gone haywire attacking the centre referee after the game ended goalless.

The offense of the referee probably

being that he did not ‘manufacture’ a penalty for them with his whistle during the match.

Apart from being banished to Benin, Gateway United were also fined N1m by the NNL, even as they are to pay N100,000 for the medical treatment of the battered referee.

Chief Operating Officer of NNL, Dr. Ayo Abdulrahaman in a statement further said the club must produce and prosecute the fans who attacked the referee or face further sanctions.

Ikorodu City currently lead the Conference C log with 27 points while, Gateway United are in 5th place with 23 points.