It is no longer news that we are getting into the final games of the season where as expected, teams will do all they can to achieve their desired goals.
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.
The battle for who makes it to the playoffs and who goes down to the lower league is one which pundits have observed with keen interest as it is keenly contested. Unfortunately too, as a result, some fans were overtaken by emotions and the clubs got sanctioned for their actions.
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.
The NNL, as a body which has sworn to protect the integrity of the league must ensure that the judgement of the NNL O&D is obeyed completely by the teams. By upholding this ruling, the league body makes it clear that they are just and fair to all parties and will not also hesitate to let down the hammer on any erring club. This also shows that no club will be favoured over the other.
Interestingly, there is a big clash involving Barau FC and fellow promotion-chasing Wikki Tourists. This is a big test which the NNL should pass—by making sure that the game is played strictly behind closed doors, respecting the decision of the NNL O&D as that decision has not been overturned by the Nigeria Football Federation Appeals Committee.
As the league gradually winds down and the games and jostle becomes intense, the NNL must rise to the occasion to preserve the integrity of the league and the power of their judgments.
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.
