NNL fines two teams for assault and hooliganism

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has imposed strict penalties on two clubs for acts of violence and hooliganism.

Godswill Akpabio FC from Uyo and Barau FC from Kano have faced severe repercussions for their misconduct towards match officials.

Godswill Akpabio FC was found guilty of assaulting officials during their Matchday 15 game against Rovers FC of Calabar on April 26, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Following the first half, both the home team’s officials and fans began to intimidate the referees, leading to a player, Austin Ajibawo, receiving a caution for physically intimidating the first assistant referee.

Additional assaults occurred after the match concluded.

As a result, the club has been fined N3,000,000, which must be settled before their next game, and they are required to play their next two home matches behind closed doors.

They are also obligated to cover N250,000 in medical expenses for the assaulted officials, and Ajibawo has been suspended for two matches.

The Akwa Ibom State FA has been given a week to identify the assailants or provide evidence of disciplinary measures taken.

The closed-door policy permits only a limited number of personnel to attend the matches.

Meanwhile, Barau FC committed their offense during a home match against Gombe United on the same day, where fans began throwing objects at the opposing team’s technical area, resulting in injuries and a 15-minute suspension of the match.

Barau FC has been fined N2,000,000, must pay N150,000 for medical expenses to the affected Gombe United officials, and will also play their next two home matches under similar closed-door conditions.