National Premier Football League reveals reasons for fining Enyimba

By Saheed Afolabi

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have slammed a two million naira fine on Enyimba International.

The league body cited the inability of the defending champions from providing adequate security in the encounter against Enugu Rangers at the Enyimba stadium, Aba.

In a released statement from the NPFL, it stated that the People’s Elephant brought the game to disrepute following the harassment of match officials from fans and officials which led to the suspension of the club’s key official, Okey Nwabeke for three matches for playing a part in the negative antics.

“Enyimba’s failure to provide effective security led to unauthorised persons gaining access to match officials’ dressing room, which is a restricted area.

“Enyimba further breached the rule book after their fans & officials harassed the match officials in their dress room, an act capable of bringing the game to disrepute.

“Enyimba failed to ensure the proper conduct of their officials, leading to the harassment & intimidation of the referee after the match.

“Enyimba have been fined N1 million for failing to provide general security & prevent unauthorised persons from gaining access to restricted areas.

“The champions have been further fined N1 million for misconduct & failure to ensure the proper conduct of their officials.

“Enyimba official, Okey Nwabeke, is suspended from all #NPFL24 activities for the next 3 matchweeks for inciting & unsporting conduct.

“Enyimba face the risk of heavier sanctions in future if the club & any of their officials are involved in similar misconduct.

“The Aba-based club have within 48 hours of the date of notice to appeal the sanctions.”

The fifth placed Enyimba will visit relegation threatened Bayelsa United at the Samson Siasia stadium, Yenagoa on Thursday, December 28.