In a significant turn of events, Enugu Rangers have been awarded three points and three goals following a controversial match against Enyimba on June 9th, 2024. The match, which was poised to be a decisive fixture in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), ended in controversy when Enyimba abandoned the game after a disputed refereeing decision.
According to multiple reports, the incident occurred in the added time when Enugu Rangers were awarded a penalty kick, a decision that Enyimba players and officials vehemently contested. The disagreement escalated, leading Enyimba to walk off the pitch in protest. Efforts by match officials to persuade them to resume play were unsuccessful, resulting in the abandonment of the match.
Following the incident, the NPFL governing body held an emergency meeting to deliberate on the situation. It was decided that Enugu Rangers would be awarded the match by default, granting them three points and a 3-0 victory as per the league’s regulations concerning match abandonment.
This decision has significant implications for the league standings, boosting Enugu Rangers’ position as they vie for the top spot. Enyimba, on the other hand, may face disciplinary actions, including fines or further points deductions, depending on the final verdict of the NPFL disciplinary committee.
This incident has sparked widespread discussion among fans and analysts about the officiating standards in the league and the conduct of teams under pressure. The NPFL has pledged to review the refereeing protocols and ensure such incidents are handled more effectively in the future.
