FG To Unleash EFCC Against Match-Fixing

Nigeria’s federal government will soon take steps to deal with match-fixing by setting up a special squad within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Reports of referees being bribed to favour home teams is a recurring complaint in the Nigerian domestic league, where the percentage of home wins is as high as 90.

Last season, Kano Pillars won the League title on the back of just one away victory, and that only on the final day of the season when the League title had been secured.

Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi said on Monday that the trend could not be allowed to continue.

“We are Working with the Attorney-General of the Federation to set up a special squad within EFCC to deal with match fixing,” he said.

“Anybody found to be involved in any form will be treated as a criminal and dealt with accordingly.

“We must restore integrity and credibility to Nigerian League. Fans must go to the stadium not believing that the game has already been fixed in favour of the home team.”

Abdullahi added that major reforms are being planned in conjunction with the League Management Company.

“Our vision for the NPL is inspired by what other countries at similar level of development have achieved” with theirs.

“South Africa is regarded as 6th biggest League in the world. They do not have our population, nor our talent or football history.

“There is no reason they should have the kind of League that they have and Nigeria will be wallowing where we are without a sponsorship. This is unacceptable and is what all of us involved in football should be embarrassed about. “It dwells on us in football to reverse this status quo.”