Katsina United were fined ₦2 million over security and a pitch encroachment, while Abia Warriors face ₦3.25 million in penalties and a five match suspension for an official.
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The Nigeria Premier Football League has charged Katsina United and Abia Warriors for misconduct during their week 10 fixtures. Katsina United were fined for security failings and fans entering the pitch, while Abia Warriors were punished after a club official harassed a broadcast crew member.
The league announced the charges on its X handle on Monday night. Katsina United were charged over their game against Plateau United on Sunday, and Abia Warriors over their game against Niger Tornadoes.
According to the NPFL, Katsina United failed to provide adequate security, which allowed unauthorized persons into restricted areas. The league added that Katsina supporters also encroached onto the field of play, which compromised the safety of players and officials.
Katsina United were fined ₦1 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security. They must pay another ₦1 million for the encroachment, and they have 48 hours (two working days) from the date of the notice to appeal.
That is ₦2 million in total for Katsina United. Anyone who enjoys predicting NPFL results can try Bet9ja’s free Super9ja jackpot alongside the next fixtures.
Abia Warriors Face Heavier Penalties
Abia Warriors were charged after failing to provide adequate security as agreed at the technical meeting. The league said a club official tried to disrupt the live broadcast by harassing a crew member of its broadcast partner. It described that as “conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.”
The financial penalties come in three parts. Abia Warriors must pay ₦1 million for the security failure and ₦2 million for the attempt to disrupt the broadcast.
The club must also pay ₦250,000 to the affected crew member for treatment of the injury sustained during the incident. That takes Abia’s bill to ₦3.25 million.
The league also suspended Abia’s multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, from all NPFL27 activities for five matches, home and away. Fans following the NPFL can also grab the YOHAIG sign-up code before the next round of games.
Abia Warriors have the same 48-hour window to appeal as Katsina United. Both clubs now have two working days to decide whether to challenge the sanctions.
Another Security Case in the Same Round
These are not the only charges from the round. The league also charged Warri Wolves after an assistant referee was attacked following their game against Kano Pillars.
Is the NPFL sending a message? The pattern suggests it is, with fines, a points deduction for Warri Wolves and a suspension for an official all landing in quick succession.
Clubs will now face pressure to tighten up before their next games. Katsina United host Sporting Lagos on Sunday, November 1, while Abia Warriors face Shooting Stars the same day. Readers planning a bet on either game can check this Bet9ja bonus guide first.
The sanctions are a reminder that security and conduct matter as much as results. Clubs that ignore that will pay for it, in cash and sometimes in points.
📌 Did You Know?
- In an earlier case, the NPFL fined Katsina United ₦9 million over a supporters’ attack on Barau FC player Nana Abraham, who suffered a cut to the neck.
- That sanction also ordered Katsina United to play their remaining home matches behind closed doors in Jos.
- In an earlier season, Abia Warriors were fined ₦1 million after an official harassed a StarTimes media crew and took a mobile device.
- After nine games last season, Abia Warriors were second in the NPFL on 18 points, with Niger Tornadoes third on 17.
- Earlier this year, the NPFL warned Niger Tornadoes to make sure only accredited people access restricted areas at their Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna.
- Euromatch’s title sponsorship of the NPFL is reported at $7.5 million, with clubs sharing the first tranche.
