The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed severe sanctions on Nasarawa United, the bottom-placed team in the league, following a violent incident during their match-day 18 encounter against Rivers United. The club has been penalized with a three-point and three-goal deduction, a N3 million fine, and an indefinite ban on hosting matches with spectators. These penalties were levied due to multiple breaches of the NPFL Framework and Rules, including the failure to ensure the proper conduct of their team and fans, resulting in an assault on the visiting team and the match referee, Musibaudeen Ibrahim. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining order and security at Nigerian football matches and carries significant implications for Nasarawa United’s fight against relegation.
The club’s failure to provide adequate security for the visiting team and the match officials was a major factor in the NPFL’s decision. The league body emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe and secure environment for all participants, stating that Nasarawa United’s failure to do so contributed directly to the violent outburst that marred the match. This penalty sends a strong message to all NPFL clubs about their responsibility to maintain order and control within their stadiums and among their supporters. The league body’s emphasis on security is a crucial step in restoring confidence in the integrity and safety of the NPFL.
The assault on the match referee, Musibaudeen Ibrahim, was another grave offense that led to the sanctions imposed on Nasarawa United. Attacking match officials is a serious breach of sporting ethics and undermines the authority and fairness of the game. The NPFL’s decision to deduct three points and three goals from Nasarawa United reflects the severity of this offense and highlights the league’s commitment to protecting its officials. This harsh penalty further jeopardizes Nasarawa United’s already precarious position at the bottom of the league table.
The indefinite closure of the Lafia City Stadium to fans adds further pressure on Nasarawa United. Playing home matches behind closed doors will deprive the club of the support of their fans and potentially impact their performance on the field. The stadium will remain closed until the club can demonstrate that it has enhanced security measures and implemented necessary precautions, including barricading the state box, to prevent future incidents. This requirement underscores the NPFL’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all stakeholders before allowing fans to return to the stadium.
The NPFL also mandated that Nasarawa United identify and prosecute the individuals involved in assaulting the away team. The club must provide details of the progress of their investigation to the NPFL within seven working days. This directive underscores the league’s determination to hold those responsible for the violence accountable for their actions. By insisting on the identification and prosecution of the perpetrators, the NPFL aims to deter future acts of violence and create a more disciplined and respectful environment within the league.
While Nasarawa United faces the consequences of their supporters’ actions, Sammy Wejinya, former Rivers United media officer and current media aide to the River State Sports Commissioner, Chris Green, has also been penalized. Wejinya received a ban from all NPFL-related activities until the end of the season for spreading misleading information about the incident. This action emphasizes the NPFL’s commitment to ensuring accurate reporting and responsible communication surrounding league events. The sanctions against both Nasarawa United and Wejinya highlight the league’s determination to uphold its rules and regulations and maintain the integrity of the competition.
