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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has fined Doma United ₦5.25 million and ordered the club to play its next three home matches behind closed doors following security breaches and fan misconduct during the 1-1 draw against Kun Khalifat FC.
The sanctions were announced on Monday 19 October, following incidents during the matchday 9 match played at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe on Saturday 17 October 2026 which reportedly left Kun Khalifat coach Obinna Uzoho injured.
In its disciplinary notice, the league said Doma United, popularly known as the Savannah Tigers, failed to provide adequate and effective security, allowing unauthorized persons into restricted areas and failing to prevent hostile behavior toward game officials and visiting team officials. Project reports
The NPFL also cited what it described as gross misconduct towards a visiting team official after the match, warning that clubs must take responsibility for the safety of players, coaches, officials and other participants on their ground.
The disciplinary action includes fines for the various breaches, compensation for Uzoho’s medical treatment and a three-match restriction for spectators attending Doma United’s home matches.
Distribution of sanctions
According to the NPFL, Doma United will pay ₦3 million for repeated failures to provide adequate and effective security at home matches.
The club was also fined ₦1 million for its fans’ hostile conduct towards match officials, while another fine of ₦1 million was imposed for gross misconduct involving a visiting team official after the match.
An additional ₦250,000 was ordered as compensation for the medical treatment of Kun Khalifat head coach Obinna Uzoho, who suffered an injury during the accident.
The separate fines bring the total financial penalty to ₦5.25 million.
Beyond the financial penalty, the order for the Savannah Tigers to play their next three home games without spectators represents a significant sporting consequence, as the club will temporarily lose the support of its fans at home.
The league said Doma United must strengthen its security measures and educate fans on acceptable conduct, warning that further breaches could result in tougher sanctions.
The club has 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal the decision.
How the match went
The disciplinary action followed a 1-1 draw between Doma United and Kun Khalifat in the ninth round of the 2026/2027 NPFL season.
Kun Khalifat took the lead in the 54th minute when Benjamin Onyedikachi found the net from close range after being left unmarked at the far post.
Doma United responded four minutes later, with Tijani Azeez heading home Aliyu Gamagira’s cross in the 58th minute to restore parity.
Both teams had the opportunity to take the lead, but neither managed to find the decisive goal as the match ended in a draw.
However, attention shifted from the result to the events surrounding the match after reports of misconduct emerged involving fans, match officials and members of the away team.
Kun Khalifat later expressed concern for the safety of his players and referees following the match, with reports indicating that Uzoho had suffered facial injuries.
The NPFL’s disciplinary notice identified safety failings and fan conduct as central issues in the decision to sanction the home club.
The race commissioner risks possible relegation
The League’s disciplinary response also extended to the match commissioner responsible for supervising the match.
The NPFL recommended that the referee be demoted to a lower league for alleged dereliction of duty, insufficient supervision and inadequate reporting of events surrounding the match.
The recommendation highlights the responsibility of match officials to monitor proceedings, ensure compliance with competition rules and provide accurate reports on incidents that occur before, during and after matches.
The action also signals that disciplinary scrutiny will not be limited to clubs and fans when match-day security arrangements and incident management fall short of league expectations.
The relegation recommended by the commissioner is separate from the financial penalties imposed on Doma United.
NPFL steps up disciplinary measures
The sanctions against Doma United are part of a wider effort by the NPFL to address misconduct, safety failings and incidents involving match officials during the 2026/2027 season.
On 1 October, the Ranchers Bees were fined ₦5 million following their matchday six match against Rivers United. The league cited safety concerns, misconduct by players and bench officials, fan behavior and retention of officials after the game.
Inter Lagos were also sanctioned in early October with a ₦5 million fine and a three-point deduction following incidents involving match officials during their 1-1 draw against Katsina United.
The latest action against Doma United reinforces the league’s position that clubs are responsible for maintaining order at their premises and ensuring that visiting teams and match officials can carry out their duties without intimidation or violence.
With three home matches to be played behind closed doors and ₦5.25 million in fines, Doma United now face the consequences of the violations identified by the league.
It remains to be seen whether the Gombe-based club will appeal within the stipulated 48-hour period or accept the sanctions as the NPFL continues its efforts to strengthen discipline and improve safety across the domestic league.
