With their Nigeria National League (NNL) status hanging in the balance, Gateway United FC have received a major morale boost as they head into their season-defining clash against Godswill Akpabio United FC in Uyo.

Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, has rallied behind the team, promising a bumper financial reward if they secure all three points in the crucial encounter.

The Commissioner delivered the charge during a motivational session with the team at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta before their departure.

“This is a make-or-break moment, and you can’t afford to falter,” Isiaka declared. “We’ve done our part — your salaries are paid, your bonuses cleared. The rest is up to you. Get the job done, and the reward will be worth it.”

The final fixture in Uyo holds significant implications for Gateway United, who are battling to avoid relegation. Only a win can guarantee survival in the second-tier league.

Speaking on behalf of the players, assistant captain Kabiru Popoola expressed gratitude for the support, vowing to leave everything on the pitch. “We’re motivated, we’re aware of what this match means, and we’ll fight for the badge and the pride of Ogun State,” he said.

Acting General Manager Niyi Soleye also weighed in, highlighting the team’s readiness and unity ahead of the high-stakes encounter. “We know what’s at stake. The team is focused, the coaches have done the work, and we are confident in our ability to deliver.”

As kickoff draws near, the focus now shifts to Uyo, where Gateway United’s destiny will be decided. Victory secures their place in the NNL for next season — anything less could spell relegation.

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One week after the expiration of the 45-day compliance deadline issued by the Nigeria Football Federation Players’ Status Arbitration Committee (NFF-PSAC), the committee has yet to issue any statement or directive regarding non-compliance by several Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs.

The PSAC had earlier ruled in favor of several players and officials against clubs found guilty of contractual breaches, including unpaid wages and benefits.

Heartland FC, Plateau United, Enyimba International, Abia Warriors, and Shooting Stars were among those cited.

However, investigations by Sports247 confirm that only Shooting Stars Sports Club has thus far complied with the PSAC’s rulings.

Despite the clear deadline, the PSAC has remained mute, raising concerns over the enforcement of its own decisions and the broader implications for contractual discipline in Nigerian football.

A compliance officer with one of the national league bodies, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that no communication has been received from the PSAC.

“We have not received any registration ban directives—maybe it’s because some leagues are still ongoing—but I believe the NFF must act swiftly,” the official said.

“They should write to the defaulting clubs, informing them of their failure to comply, and notify the league bodies immediately after the deadline lapses.”

The source advocated for a proactive and phased enforcement approach, taking into account the ongoing status of the various leagues.

“For clubs whose leagues are still in progress, the registration ban should take effect immediately. For those in the off-season, notices should be issued now so they clear their debts before the new campaign begins.”

He further stressed that their department is ready to implement any sanctions once authorized by the NFF-PSAC.

“We’re prepared to act. It’s critical to restore integrity by upholding rules and protecting the rights of players and officials.”

A football legal expert, Ekene Raymond, who also spoke to Sports247, emphasized that the PSAC should have already reported the matter to the NFF Disciplinary Committee, as stipulated under football governance frameworks.

“The NFF Disciplinary Committee is empowered to take enforcement actions. Apart from confirming the registration bans, they may impose further sanctions.”

” According to Article 21 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code—adopted by the NFF—clubs who fail to comply with decisions must be granted a final 30-day deadline to pay, with an added interest of 18% per annum from the date the decision was issued.”

He provided a hypothetical example:

“A club ordered to pay ₦5 million but failing to do so within the initial 45-day PSAC deadline may face additional interest, pushing the amount to roughly ₦5.22 million over 60–90 days to be paid to the creditor, along with possible fines.”

As silence persists from the PSAC, stakeholders across Nigerian football are now watching closely for the next steps from both the committee and the NFF.

The episode underscores growing concerns about regulatory enforcement and the broader issue of financial responsibility in domestic football in Nigeria.

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In a renewed push to reposition football in Ondo State, the Ondo State Football Association (OSFA) has rolled out a series of strategic initiatives following its congress held at the Police Officers Mess in Akure on June 3, 2025.

The congress, which brought together stakeholders from across the state’s football ecosystem, highlighted the urgent need to refocus on grassroots development, infrastructural improvements, and administrative reforms.

One of the key resolutions was the launch of the Ondo State Football League, an age-grade competition aimed at identifying and nurturing young football talents across the state. The initiative is seen as a bold step towards building a talent pipeline capable of producing future stars for local and international stages.

The OSFA also used the occasion to commend Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on his first 100 days in office, appreciating his demonstrated interest in sports and calling for sustained collaboration to revitalize football in the state.

Attention was also drawn to the precarious position of Sunshine Stars FC, with the association pledging to support the team in its relegation battle. The OSFA urged the governor to involve seasoned football administrators to help reposition the club for stability and future success.

On infrastructure, the congress called for the expedited completion of the Ondo State Sports Complex pitch, noting its significance in attracting top-tier matches and boosting local revenue.

Raising concerns over human capital, the OSFA lamented the shortage of qualified coaches at the State Sports Council and pressed the government to prioritize coaching development as part of its broader sports agenda.

Additionally, the congress resolved to pursue pending legal matters, particularly the case involving Coach Kayode Adeyemi and others challenging the state FA election outcome—reaffirming its commitment to due process and transparency in football governance.

In a joint declaration, OSFA members pledged to work hand in hand with the government and private sector partners to drive holistic football development and elevate Ondo State’s status as a powerhouse in Nigerian football.

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