In a statement signed by Media Director Charles Mayuku, the club says it will respect league rules, but argues that a breach is a breach regardless of who is responsible.
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Rivers United have accepted the sanctions imposed by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) without appeal. The club confirmed its decision in a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, and signed by Media Director Charles Mayuku.
The league had handed the Pride of Rivers a suspended ₦15 million fine and a suspended three-point and three goal deduction. The punishment relates to the Matchday 11 home game against Rangers International, which ended 1-1 on November 1, and the NPFL accused Rivers of denying its broadcast partner access to the stadium.
The club began by stressing its professionalism. It said all of its actions on the day were preceded by appropriate engagements aimed at ensuring the orderly conduct of the match and protecting every stakeholder, and it promised to keep respecting the league’s regulatory, commercial and broadcasting frameworks.
Rivers also made a plea for better communication. The statement says effective collaboration between the league, the clubs and broadcast partners is essential, especially on match scheduling, because clear and timely information prevents disruptions. Fans who follow the title race can try Super9ja’s NPFL picks alongside the next fixtures.
The Counter-Claim Against MBI
The most striking part of the statement is its criticism of the league’s broadcast partner, Murphy Ben International (MBI). Rivers say the agreement was meant to ensure comprehensive coverage of league fixtures, including games such as Niger Tornadoes against Barau FC and others on the broadcast schedule, and they claim that commitment was not fulfilled.
“A breach of any agreement remains a breach, regardless of the party responsible.”
The club added that no justification, apology or sanction has followed. These are Rivers United’s claims, and no public response from the NPFL or MBI has been reported so far. They also fit with the club’s earlier position that the circulated Matchday 11 schedule did not carry the MBI designation against its fixture.
The league’s version is very different. It says the club obstructed its broadcast partner, and it described the issue as a serious violation of its rules. Accepting the sanction without appeal ends the argument over the penalty, but the two sides still disagree about what happened at the stadium. New readers can look at Bet9ja’s offer for NPFL followers while they follow the story.
Fair Coverage For All 20 Clubs
Rivers also used the statement to push for a fair distribution of live coverage across all 20 NPFL clubs. The club argues that selective coverage undermines the development of the league and the interests of Nigerian football fans.
The point is a serious one. Live television is a major source of exposure and income, and clubs that are shown less often can feel left behind in a competitive league.
On the pitch, Rivers United remain joint leaders with Rangers, and they face Sporting Lagos on Saturday, November 7, at 4pm. They will want the broadcast row to stay in the background, because the suspended penalty would cost them dearly in a tight title race.
The NPFL has been strict with clubs this season, as Warri Wolves and Inter Lagos have also been punished after separate incidents. Rivers have chosen to accept their decision, but they have made sure the debate about television coverage continues, and new Bet9ja users can check the YOHAIG bonus for Bet9ja users before the weekend.
📌 Did You Know?
- Rule 6.23 of the NPFL Framework and Rules allows a fine of up to ₦15 million plus a three point and three goal deduction for obstructing a broadcast.
- Kwara United were once fined ₦6 million in total, with ₦5 million of that for disrupting the live broadcast of a game against Akwa United.
- Kano Pillars were fined ₦15 million and hit with a stadium ban in April 2026 after fan chaos in a game against Rivers United.
- Rivers United’s statement was dated Thursday, November 5, four days after the Rangers game.
- Rivers United and Rangers are joint leaders after their 1-1 draw on Matchday 11.
