Enugu Rangers and Enyimba, two Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) teams, have been fined a total of N15 million for interfering in last Sunday’s week 35 match at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu. Enyimba called off the eagerly awaited game, which was pivotal in the battle for the championship, during second-half extra time after the referee controversially gave the hosts a late penalty. The game was called off early because of a pitch invasion by supporters of both teams as a result of this decision.
In response, the NPFL has imposed a hefty N10m fine on Enyimba for violating the league’s frameworks and rules. This included failing to ensure the proper conduct of their players and officials and disrupting the live broadcast of the match.
A breakdown of the imposed fine reveals that N1m is for Enyimba’s failure to ensure the proper conduct of their team, N5m for disrupting a live broadcast, N1m for throwing objects onto the field of play, N1m for fans’ encroachment onto the field, and N2m for causing the disruption and discontinuation of the match.
In addition, Enugu Rangers, popularly known as the “Flying Antelopes,” have been fined N5 million for many infractions of the NPFL guidelines and rules, despite being given three points and three goals. There is a forty-six-hour period within which both clubs can choose to have a disciplinary panel decide the matter or accept summary jurisdiction and the penalties that have been issued.
The NPFL’s determination to uphold discipline and order on the pitch is demonstrated by the decision to penalize Enyimba and Enugu Rangers for their involvement in the recent match disruption. However, everyone involved in Nigerian football must work together to address the underlying problems that cause these disruptions. Nigerian football may overcome its obstacles and restore its position as a dominant force in African football by putting into place extensive changes and encouraging a culture of professionalism, respect, and fair play. Then and only then will Nigeria’s beautiful game be able to fully develop and bloom, delighting millions of fans all throughout the nation.
