The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued a stern reprimand to Akwa United FC following an incident involving the club’s welfare officer, Mr. Asuquo, and the broadcast crew of Propel Sports Africa, the league’s Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming partner. During Akwa United’s Match Day 16 fixture against Bendel Insurance on December 10, 2024, Mr. Asuquo was captured on video harassing and intimidating the Propel Sports Africa technical staff. This behavior prompted the NPFL to issue a formal warning to the club, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the potential repercussions for such unprofessional conduct.
The NPFL, in its letter to Akwa United, emphasized the significant legal, reputational, and financial risks associated with Mr. Asuquo’s actions. The league stressed that such behavior undermines the contractual agreements with partners like Propel Sports Africa, jeopardizing the smooth operation and broadcast of league matches. The letter, signed by Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, underscored the importance of maintaining professional standards and adhering to the principles that govern the league’s operations. The NPFL expressed its disappointment that Mr. Asuquo’s conduct fell far short of these expectations, creating an environment of hostility and disrespect towards the broadcast crew.
The NPFL’s reprimand serves as a clear warning to Akwa United and other clubs participating in the league. The league made it unequivocally clear that any future instances of harassment, intimidation, or similar unprofessional conduct would result in severe sanctions against both the club and the individual(s) involved. This firm stance underscores the NPFL’s commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful working environment for all stakeholders, including broadcast partners, and protecting the integrity and reputation of the league.
The incident involving Mr. Asuquo and the Propel Sports Africa crew highlights the importance of professional conduct within the football ecosystem. Broadcast partners play a crucial role in bringing the game to fans across various platforms, and their ability to operate freely and safely is paramount. Interfering with their work or creating a hostile environment not only disrupts the broadcast but also damages the reputation of the league and its member clubs. The NPFL’s swift action in addressing this incident sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Akwa United, as a member club of the NPFL, has a responsibility to ensure that its officials and staff uphold the highest standards of professionalism. The club was directed by the league to take immediate and effective measures to prevent any recurrence of similar incidents in the future. This includes educating staff on proper conduct, implementing internal disciplinary procedures, and fostering a culture of respect towards all stakeholders involved in the league’s operations. The club’s response to this incident will be closely monitored by the NPFL to ensure compliance and prevent further damage to the league’s image.
The incident involving Akwa United and Propel Sports Africa serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professionalism and respect within the football community. The NPFL’s decisive action demonstrates its commitment to upholding these values and protecting the integrity of the league. By issuing a strong reprimand and warning of severe sanctions, the NPFL has set a precedent for dealing with such incidents in the future, ensuring a safe and professional environment for all stakeholders. The league’s emphasis on adherence to professional standards is crucial for the continued growth and success of the NPFL.
