Sports
Anambra FA Dismisses Iloenyosi’s Election Appeal
The Anambra State Football Association (AnSFA) has dismissed an appeal by Chikelue Iloenyosi, a Chairmanship Candidate in the October 30 board election, on the ground that it was not validly filed.
Tidesports source gathered that Iloenyosi, who ran as a sole candidate, was not returned as winner.
He was adjudged not to have polled the simple majority of votes cast at the election as stipulated in the electoral guideline.
Dissatisfied with the development, Iloenyosi petitioned AnSFA, arguing that as a sole candidate in the election, he should be declared winner.
He also claimed to have scored the only valid votes cast in the election.
But rising from its 2020 Extra Ordinary General Assembly in Awka on Monday, AnSFA threw out the petition, saying that Iloenyosi did not pay money either in cash or electronically to the FA.
The assembly held that the lapse contravened Article 244 of the AnSFA statute 2015.
It further resolved that a by-election be conducted to fill the five vacant positions of the nine-member electoral board and three Local Government Football Councils by February 2021.
Meanwhile, the Election Appeal Committee had earlier declared the election valid but ruled that Iloenyosi did not win.
It rather called for a runoff to be conducted within 14 days, with effect from November 16.
The committee further resolved that only candidates, who were cleared for the election, should stand for the second ballot.
Earlier, the Vice Chairman of AnSFA, Victor Aniekwena, assured Anambra football community of a busy and competitive football in 2021.
He said the state Football League, with the theme: ‘My Anambra football Super 8 Tournament’, would be executed to develop grassroots football.
According to him, from the first quarter of 2021, we will set the ball rolling, engage our elite clubs and get them adequately prepared from the beginning of each season.
“The Anambra State Gold Cup will commence from next pre-season. We have plans also to train referees and coaches in the state.
“There are plans for youth tournaments as well as schools tournaments for boys and girls.
“We are promising that there will be no dull moment for the game in Anambra,” Aniekwena said.
“It is important for this congress to embrace the new dispensation because it will help focus our energies more on football development and less on discussing football politics and issues of bad governance,” he said.
Tidesports source also reports that the AnSFA general assembly was attended by Aniekwena, three other board members and 20 of the 23 congress members.
The match, which ended 2-2 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Saturday, March 28, was marred by a series of serious breaches. According to the NPFL, Bendel Insurance failed to provide adequate matchday security, which allowed unauthorised individuals to gain access to restricted areas within the stadium.
The situation deteriorated further after the final whistle. Supporters of the Benin-based club were found guilty of unsporting behaviour, and match officials were reportedly held hostage for 40 minutes in the aftermath of the game, a development the league described as a direct violation of football governance and safety standards.
Boboye was found guilty of gross misconduct towards a match official, an act deemed to be in breach of the league’s regulations on discipline and fair play.
In addition to the coach’s personal sanction, Bendel Insurance were fined five million naira for the various breaches, with the club also ordered to play their next three home matches behind closed doors.
The NPFL said the penalties reflected its commitment to maintaining order, professionalism and respect for match officials, particularly in high-pressure situations.
The suspension represents a significant blow to Bendel Insurance at a critical stage of the season, leaving the technical crew to manage upcoming fixtures without Boboye’s direct influence on the touchline. The closed-door order will also deprive the club of home support at the Ogbemudia Stadium, affecting both atmosphere and the financial returns from those matches.
Bendel Insurance retain the right to appeal the ruling through the appropriate NPFL disciplinary channels
According to reports, the accident happened while the club was travelling to Lagos for a Nigeria National League (NNL) fixture.
The club confirmed that the team bus lost control and tumbled near Asaba during the journey.
In a statement, Calabar Rovers said that the accident left several players, officials, and staff injured, with one player in critical condition receiving intensive medical care.
The club described the situation as “a painful moment,” adding that the injured are receiving the best possible treatment and support.
It stated that the welfare of the players remains its top priority during the period.
The club said it appreciates the prayers and urged fans to continue to keep the injured players in their thoughts.
The team was travelling for an away fixture against Sporting Lagos, which incidentally, had already been postponed indefinitely by the NNLboard due to the unavailability of the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
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