NNL Should Uphold The Integrity Of The Game In The Second Tier

It is no longer news that we are getting into the final games of the season where as expected, desperation will be at the utmost high.

Permutations for teams fighting for the Super 8 slot are already underway, while the teams fighting their way through the waters of relegation are not left out.

In view of this, teams have chosen different ways to achieve their desired results. Some have chosen to come all out and play while others have decided to deploy the use of intimidation and harassment of both match officials and opponents to achieve their desired results.

Just recently, the NNL hammer fell on Godswill Akpabio FC of Uyo and Barau FC of Kano for assaulting Match Officials.

While Godswill Akpabio FC was charged with assault of match officials after a Matchday 15 encounter against Rovers FC of Calabar which ended 2-2 at the Uyo Township Stadium on 26th April 2025. The team was fined the sum of N3,000,000 which must be paid before their next match, Godswill Akpabio FC must also play their next two home games under strict closed doors. An additional sum of N250,000 as medical bills to the assaulted match officials and Austin Ajibawo who was cautioned for physical intimidation of the first assistant referee during the halftime interval was suspended for two matches. Furthermore, the Akwa Ibom State FA was also given only seven days to identify the names of assailants or show evidence of disciplinary action taken against them.

Barau FC was sanctioned for the infraction during their home game against Gombe United at the Danbatta Township Stadium on 26th April. It was established that the home team fans started throwing missiles at the technical bench of Gombe United right from the first half, which caused some injuries and led to the abandonment of the match for 15 minutes in the game which they ended up winning by 2 nill. The NNL O&D imposed a fine of the sum of N2,000,000, and an additional sum of N150,000 for medical bills to be paid to the assaulted Gombe United officials and also play their next two home matches under strict closed doors.

The implications meant Barau FC would pay the fine of ₦2,150,000 and play their next two home games behind closed doors.

Barau FC will next face promotion-chasing Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi and rumour has it that Barau FC wants to open up their home ground to fans on the game without an official communication from the Nigeria National League (NNL) body nor the Nigeria Football Federation Appeals Committee.

Rumour has it that the Kano State based team own by Deputy Senate President, is said to be using the position of the owner and money to intimidate everyone to doing their unlawful biddings. It is alleged that they have bullied the secretariat of the NNL to verbally approving the lifting of the closed-doors earlier imposed on their home ground and they are boasting that no one can dare them or prevent them from playing their remaining home matches with their fans.

It will be sad if the NNL body does not enforce its judgment on the Kano-based side knowing fully well that Nigerians and the whole world are watching with keen interest.

Fair play and the spirit of sportsmanship are the name of the game and it is expected that every stakeholder in Nigerian football must support the fair play and integrity agenda of the Alhaji Gusau-led executive board.