The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has imposed severe sanctions on Bendel Insurance following a chaotic Matchday 32 fixture against Plateau United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on March 28, 2026.
The club has been found guilty of failing to provide adequate security, leading to unauthorized access to restricted areas and unsporting behavior from supporters.
The league’s disciplinary committee has fined Bendel Insurance N2 million for inadequate security and another N1 million for misconduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.
Additionally, the club will pay a N2 million fine for detaining match officials for 40 minutes after the game.
Head coach Kennedy Boboye has also been fined N2 million and suspended for 17 matches for gross misconduct towards a match official.
Bendel Insurance will play their next three home matches behind closed doors, a significant blow to the team’s morale and finances. The club has 48 hours to appeal the sanctions.
The NPFL has made it clear that it will not tolerate any behavior that compromises the safety and integrity of the game. “Ensuring the safety of match officials and spectators is paramount to the integrity of the game,” the league stated.
The sanctions serve as a reminder to all NPFL clubs of the importance of maintaining high standards of security and sportsmanship.
Source/Playballers
