The leadership of the Nigerian National League has banned the officials of Kebbi United for field encroachment.
After the Match Day 4 of the 2024/2025 league season, in the encounter between Kebbi United FC and Basira FC at the Birnin Kebbi Stadium on January 5, 2025, that ended 1-1 draw, reports had it that events overshadowed the on-field action as several Kebbi United officials were reported to have encroached onto the pitch and threatened match officials.
According to the official match report received by the league, Kebbi United’s Welfare Officer, Assistant Kit Manager, and Kit Manager were identified as the individuals responsible for the misconduct.
The league has therefore invoked Article 16.1.1 of its regulations, which penalizes encroachment and similar acts of misconduct with fines and bans if they do not lead to the discontinuation of a match. Consequently, the following actions have been taken.
Kebbi United FC has been fined N1,000,000 for the breach of regulations. The three named officials Rilwanu Auwal ( Welfare Officer ), Babangida Shehu (Kit Manager) Faruku B.B (Assistant Kit Manager) have been banned from all league activities for the remainder of the 2024/2025 season.
The league clarified that this decision was issued under its summary jurisdiction, but Kebbi United FC retains the right to appeal to the Disciplinary Committee within 48 hours of receiving the ruling.
This incident serves as a stern reminder of the league’s commitment to upholding discipline and protecting match officials from threats or misconduct during and after games.
Source/NNL Media
