As the 2024/2025 Nigeria National League (NNL) season enters its crucial final stretch, tensions are boiling over with promotion dreams and relegation fears hanging in the balance. With Super 8 slots and survival at stake, clubs are adopting varied—and sometimes questionable—tactics to secure favorable results.
While some teams are staying committed to fair play and on-pitch performance, others have resorted to intimidation and harassment, targeting both match officials and rival teams. The NNL has already taken disciplinary action in two high-profile cases involving Godswill Akpabio FC of Uyo and Barau FC of Kano, both sanctioned for assaulting match officials during recent matches.
Godswill Akpabio FC was hit with a ₦3 million fine following a Matchday 15 clash against Rovers FC that ended 2-2 at the Uyo Township Stadium on April 26. The club must also cover ₦250,000 in medical bills for assaulted match officials and play their next two home games behind closed doors. Player Austin Ajibawo received a two-match suspension for physically intimidating the assistant referee, and the Akwa Ibom FA was given a seven-day ultimatum to identify the culprits or show evidence of disciplinary action.
Similarly, Barau FC was fined ₦2,150,000 following incidents during their April 26 match against Gombe United at Danbatta Township Stadium. Fans reportedly hurled objects at the Gombe technical bench, causing injuries and a 15-minute stoppage. Despite the unrest, Barau FC went on to win the game 2-0. They are now mandated to play their next two home matches under closed door.
Despite these sanctions, disturbing reports suggest that Barau FC may defy the league’s ruling and allow fans into their stadium for their next home game against Wikki Tourists FC—a key fixture in the promotion race.
According to an NNL Board Member who prefers to remain anonymous, alleged that the club, owned by Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, is using political influence and financial muscle to pressure NNL officials into quietly lifting the ban. Unconfirmed reports claim that a verbal approval has been obtained from the NNL secretariat, and the club is allegedly boasting that no authority can stop them from admitting fans.
If true, the move could severely undermine the league’s credibility and erode trust in its governance structures.
The NNL Board member called on the NNL and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Appeals Committee to uphold the disciplinary measures and resist any form of intimidation. With both local and international observers watching, the enforcement of fair play and respect for established rules has never been more critical.
The Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF executive board has championed a vision of integrity and transparency in Nigerian football—values that must be defended now more than ever.
