NPFL: Impunity Reigns As Clubs Defy NFF's Order On New Signings

By Muzammil Dalha Yola

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has descended into chaos as clubs continue to disregard the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) directive to halt new player registrations. Despite the NFF's clear instruction, several top clubs, including Enyimba, Akwa United, Lobi Stars, and others, have fielded new players in their Matchday one matches, flouting the order and undermining the league's integrity.

This blatant disregard for the NFF's authority comes after Elkanemi Warriors set the tone by conniving with NFF Club Licensing Department and NPFL officials to transfer old players and play new ones against Enugu Rangers FC, defying a transfer ban and playing of new players order.

The NFF's silence on the matter has raised concerns, with many questioning the federation's ability to govern the league effectively. The Players Status and Arbitration Committee's rulings, aimed at resolving contract disputes, have been rendered useless as clubs continue to ignore them.

The affected players, owed millions of naira in overdue payables, are left seeking justice elsewhere. The NFF's inaction has created a culture of impunity, allowing clubs to disregard contractual agreements and exploit players.

The Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF must take decisive action to address this crisis, ensuring that clubs comply with the Players Status and Arbitration Committee's rulings and respect contractual agreements. Failure to do so will perpetuate anarchy and undermine the NPFL's growth.

The clubs' indebtedness to players, coaches, and other clubs is staggering, with Abia Warriors, Enyimba FC, Katsina United, and others owing millions of naira in overdue payables. The NFF must enforce its rules and protect the rights of players and coaches to maintain the integrity of the league.

The NFF Players Status and Arbitration Committee ruled that several NPFL clubs must pay their former employees for unlawful contract termination and overdue payables. The clubs and amounts owed are:

- Abia Warriors: Ikedinachi Nwakanma (N4m), Julius Obinna (N3m), Imoh Azubuike (N3.15m), and Victor Alegbe (N5m)

- Enyimba FC: Stephen Chukwude (N5m) and Chijioke Akuneto (N1.2m)

- Katsina United: Jonah James, Jonas Emmanuel, H. Shamsudeen, Kanti, and Abiodun Adebayo (instalment payments between June-September 2024), Coach Usman Shariff Abd'Allah (N7.7m), Coach Nasir Salisu (N1.25m), and Coach Tony Bolus (N8m)

- Lobi Stars: Christian Nwokedi (N1.5m)

- El-Kanemi Warriors: Bala Yusuf (N750,000), Emmanuel Adoyi (N1.65m), and Suleiman Sodiq (N1m)

- Kwara United: John Obuh (N10.45m)

- Akwa United: Osahon Uhunmwangbon & others (N47m)

These clubs failed to comply with the rulings before the 2024/2025 NPFL season kickoff, leaving the affected employees seeking justice.

Credit: Sports247.ng

Comments

NUGA Council Fixes Date for Zone E Preliminaries

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) Zone E has scheduled its preliminary games for February 18-24, 2024, at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil. This decision was made during the Council's meeting at ADUSTECH Wudil, attended by representatives from various universities in the zone. According to Abdullahi Datti Abdullahi, Chairman of the LOC Media & Publicity Committee, the Council discussed events, modalities, rules, and regulations, as well as necessary facilities to be provided. Prof. Abdulkadir Muhammad Danbazau, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, expressed ADUSTECH's readiness to host the competition successfully. He also solicited support from Council members and appreciated their considerations during the meeting. The meeting saw the election of Prof. Mustapha Abubakar from Federal University Dutse (FUD) and Nura Muhammad of ADUSTECH Wudil as Chairman and Secretary of NUGA Council Zone E, respectively. ...

FASTE Emerges Overall Winner of ADUSTECH 12th Inter-Faculties Sports Competition

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The 12th edition of the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil (ADUSTECH) Inter-Faculties Sports Competition came to a close on Thursday, August 7, 2025, with a thrilling football final between the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Science and Technology Education (FASTE) at the University's football pitch. The match was highly contested, with FASTE emerging victorious, winning 1-0 against the Faculty of Engineering. The Faculty of Science secured the 3rd position in football, showcasing their skills and determination throughout the tournament. The overall winner of the competition was FASTE, which accumulated an impressive 19 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze medals, totaling 29 medals. This outstanding performance solidified their position as the top faculty in the competition. The Faculty of Earth and Environmental Services (FAEES) came in second, with 4 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze medals, totaling 18 medals. The Faculty of Agricultu...

Kano Pillars FC Announces Blockbuster Partnership with RFI Hausa

By Muzammil Dalha Yola Kano Pillars Football Club, one of Nigeria's most storied football institutions, is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Radio France Internationale (RFI) Hausa, a leading international news media organization. This is a partnership deal worth N100m, a kit sponsorship deal for one season. Under the deal, the club will receive N45m in cash and a season's worth of jerseys, whereby each player will wear a new set in every game, which will allow him to give it away after matches. RFI will also train the club's media team as well as publicize all the club's activities. This sponsorship is the first of its kind by the organisation. Ahmed Musa and the Club Secretary signed the papers on behalf of the club, while the Coordinator of RFI Hausa, Joseph Penney, and the Editor-in-Chief, Bashir Ibrahim Idris, signed on behalf of the organisation. The RFI Hausa logo will be featured prominently on the chest of Kano Pillars' home, away, and alternat...

SportsZone.NG

Search This Blog