NNL Slaps Heavy Sanctions on Akpabio FC, Barau FC Over Violence

The Nigeria National League NNL has taken firm disciplinary action against Godswill Akpabio FC of Uyo and Barau FC of Kano for incidents involving assault, hooliganism, and intimidation of match officials during Matchday 15 encounters.

Godswill Akpabio FC were sanctioned following violent conduct against match officials during their fixture against Rovers FC of Calabar at the Uyo Township Stadium on April 26. The club has been fined ₦3 million, with payment required before their next match. Additionally, they must play their next two home matches behind closed doors and pay ₦250,000 to cover medical costs for the assaulted officials. Player Ajibawo received a two-match suspension.

The Akwa Ibom State Football Association was also given a seven-day deadline to either identify those responsible for the attack or present evidence of disciplinary measures taken against them.

“Strict closed-doors” means only a limited number of essential personnel—security, officials, media, and accredited staff will be allowed into the stadium.

In a separate incident, Barau FC supporters were found guilty of violence during their home clash with Gombe United at Danbatta Township Stadium. The game was temporarily suspended for 15 minutes in the first half after fans threw objects at the Gombe United technical bench, injuring officials. Barau FC won the match 2-0 but were fined ₦2 million, ordered to pay ₦150,000 in medical bills, and will also play their next two home games without fans under the same strict closed-door conditions.

Editorial

The sanctions handed down by the NNL are not only justified they are necessary. For too long, violence at football matches in Nigeria has been treated as an unfortunate by-product of passion. But passion should never come at the cost of safety, nor should it ever be an excuse for criminal behaviour inside a football ground.

What happened in Uyo and Danbatta wasn’t just a breach of sportsmanship—it was a breakdown of responsibility at every level. Clubs, fans, and local authorities all share the blame. When match officials are assaulted, or visiting teams are attacked, the integrity of the entire league suffers. Football is meant to unite, to entertain, to inspire not to injure and intimidate.

We applaud the NNL for taking swift action. These fines and bans send a message that the game will not tolerate hooliganism. But beyond financial penalties, the NNL and Nigerian football authorities must go a step further: introduce lifetime bans for repeat offenders, expand CCTV usage at grounds, and create a culture of accountability among fans.

We must now ask clubs to do more than field teams—they must actively manage their supporters, enforce discipline, and promote fair play. Nigerian football can’t grow in an atmosphere of fear and chaos. The beautiful game must remain beautiful in all its aspects.

Did You Know?

1. The term “closed-door” matches became widely implemented worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially between 2020 and 2021.
2. Assault on match officials in Nigeria can result in lifetime bans under the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) disciplinary guidelines.
3. The Uyo Township Stadium, where the Akpabio FC incident occurred, has a capacity of over 5,000 spectators.
4. Gombe United, involved in the Barau FC incident, is a former Nigeria Premier League club that once featured in the CAF Confederation Cup.
5. The NNL is Nigeria’s second-tier league and features over 40 teams split into regional conferences, serving as a crucial feeder to the top division.