The Nigeria National League (NNL) has again sanctioned erring clubs in the second tier, with Godswill Akpabio United FC of Uyo and Barau FC of Kano severely punished for assault and intimidation of match officials, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced on Thursday.
Godswill Akpabio United were found guilty of assaulting match officials during their Matchday 15 encounter against Rovers FC of Calabar at the Uyo Township Stadium on 26th April.
The match ended 2-2, but right from the end of first half, the home team’s officials and fans started to intimidate match officials, and a player, Austin Ajibawo, was cautioned for physical intimidation of the first assistant referee.
Further assault was committed at the end of the match.
While they have been fined N3 million which must be paid before their next match, Godswill Akpabio United must also play their next two home games behind closed doors.
They have also been ordered to pay N250,000 as medical bills to the assaulted match officials, and Ajibawo is suspended for two matches. The Akwa Ibom State FA is also given only seven days to identify the names of assailants or show evidence of disciplinary action taken against them.
Only 20 security personnel, seven club officials per team, 12 ball boys, 10 host FA officials, match officials, accredited medical personnel, two accredited cameramen per team and 10 representatives of the media can attend the club’s matches under the behind closed doors rule.
On their part, Barau FC committed the infraction during their home match against Gombe United at the Danbatta Township Stadium on April 26.
From the first half, fans of the home team (who eventually won the match 2-0) started throwing missiles at the technical bench of Gombe United, which caused some injuries and led to the abandonment of the match for 15 minutes.
Barau FC have been fined N2m, will pay assaulted Gombe United officials N150,000 for medical bills and also play their next two home matches behind closed doors.
