Reports indicate that three players, dubbed the NPFL’s “Bad Boys” from the opening day, have each begun three-match bans following disciplinary infractions at the start of the season.
The suspensions were confirmed as the league got underway on 31 August 2024, marking an early and serious reminder of the rules in Nigeria’s top-flight football.
Editorial
We observe with concern that discipline remains an unresolved issue in the NPFL. Starting a season with key players sidelined through suspensions undermines both team dynamics and league reputation.
We believe the league must take a firm stand on misbehaviour. Allowing breaches to go unchecked sends the wrong message, casting a shadow over the competition’s integrity. It’s not merely about penalising individuals; it’s about reinforcing standards that reflect professionalism and respect.
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We urge clubs and the governing body to adopt clearer behavioural guidelines. Workshops on sportsmanship, referee relations, and on-pitch conduct could foster a more respectful atmosphere. When such incidents result in suspension, they should serve as cautionary tales, not recurring features.
We foresee long-term benefits from this stance fewer incidents, a more attractive league, and players better prepared for both domestic and international scrutiny.
And so, we circle back to our initial thought: starting the season with zero tolerance for misconduct must become standard, not exception.
Did You Know?
1. The 2024–25 NPFL season began on 31 August 2024, with Enugu Rangers hosting El-Kanemi Warriors.
2. Remo Stars emerged as champions of that season, securing their first-ever NPFL title on 27 April 2025, with three matches to spare.
3. That triumph made Remo Stars the first South-western club to win the NPFL since Julius Berger in 2000.
4. The league’s prize fund for champions was raised by ₦50 million, taking the winner’s haul to ₦200 million for the 2024–25 season.
5. The NPFL also secured a new broadcasting partnership with IMG/JVco, a British multinational television production company, enhancing the league’s visibility.
