NPFL fines Abia Warriors ₦3.25m and bans media officer for five games
The league says an Abia Warriors official harassed a broadcast crew member during the defeat to Niger Tornadoes. Katsina United were also fined, and Barau FC were warned over stewards on the pitch.
By TuSport Desk · 28 Oct 2026, 14:25 WAT
The Nigeria Premier Football League has fined Abia Warriors a total of ₦3.25 million over incidents at their matchday 10 home game against Niger Tornadoes, which they lost 1-0, The Guardian (Nigeria), The Athletic NG and Complete Sports report.
According to the league's notice, the club failed to provide the security agreed at the pre-match technical meeting, and an Abia Warriors official tried to disrupt the live broadcast by harassing a crew member of the league's broadcast partner. The NPFL said the conduct was capable of bringing the game into disrepute.
The fines are ₦1 million for inadequate security, ₦2 million for attempting to disrupt the broadcast and ₦250,000 in compensation for the crew member, who was injured in the incident.
The club's multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL activities for five matches, home and away. Abia Warriors have 48 hours, counted in working days from the date of the notice, to appeal.
Katsina United were fined ₦2 million in total, ₦1 million for inadequate security and ₦1 million for supporters encroaching onto the pitch during their 2-2 draw with Plateau United, The Guardian reports. They were also given two working days to appeal.
Barau FC escaped a fine but received a warning. In a letter dated 27 October and signed by chief operating officer Dr Ayo Abdulrahman, the league said a viral video showed Barau stewards going onto the pitch after the 1-1 draw with Kwara United, The Nation reports. The NPFL told the Kano club that stewards must stay on the terraces and warned that a repeat at any later home game would lead to sanctions.
The rulings come a day after the league docked Warri Wolves three points and three goals, fined them and ordered three home games behind closed doors after a supporter assaulted an assistant referee. Warri Wolves have appealed.
Sources: guardian.ng · theathleticng.com · www.completesports.com · nigeriafootball.ng · thenationonlineng.net
